A national running event, The Hereford 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness, came to Hereford for the first time last weekend (20 and 21st September). Raising awareness and funds to help families and individuals facing homelessness, it attracted over 100 participants, with the current fundraising total standing at £6,195, against a target of £3,000.

The money will directly support our mission to help individuals and families in crisis — providing guidance, stability, and hope.

Hereford is the latest location for the event, which began in Manchester in 2019 and also takes place in Leeds, Birmingham and Sheffield. The Hereford event’s main sponsor was Herefordshire firm Brightwells, and local club Hereford Couriers hosted the event, providing run leaders to guide participants around the route.

Event organiser, Charlie Shave said: “Our aim was to bring the community together, with running clubs and individuals completing 5km laps together in aid of a fantastic cause. I was blown away by the support we had throughout the whole 24 hours – we even had people arriving at 5am to do their bit.”

Notable achievements include Molly Glenister-Doyle who set this year’s lap record, with 14 laps (70km) completed, Vennture’s Dan Scott who ran 8 laps (almost a marathon) and Hereford Couriers’ John Noonan who completed 10 laps, the equivalent of 50km.

Imogen Abbott from Vennture, who also took part, said: “There was a huge amount of camaraderie. The event attracted people of all ages whether walking or running with a wonderful core of volunteers. Charlie did a fantastic job organising the event which quite literally ran smoothly from start to end. We are absolutely delighted and amazed that it went so well.”

“It’s about making sure we don’t look away,” says Charlie. “We want to highlight the often unseen struggles of those without stable housing in our community. Every step we take helps Vennture continue its critical work, offering support and practical help to people when they need it most,” he adds.

Anyone wanting to make a donation can still do so by visiting the JustGiving page of The inaugural Hereford 24 Hour Run Against Homelessness 2025