HARP24: The highlight of our calendarrunning

HARP24 is an important fundraising event for HARP, Southend’s leading Homelessness Charity. Participants for the ultimate 24-hour running challenge will be helping to support people as they take on the challenge of overcoming homelessness.

HARP caught up with HARP24 runner and volunteer Ellie, to hear about her experience both taking part and behind the scenes at the 24-hour South-Essex running festival. Ellie has been running with her club the Leigh-On-Sea Striders for the past 10 years and has taken part in HARP24 for the last eight.

“I take part every single year – whether running or volunteering. I just love it. My favourite part about the event is the team spirit. The base camp also has a festival-like spirit with the families and groups camping together, playing games like swing ball and decorating the camps with bunting.” Ellie wanted to get involved in HARP24 due it being a “unique challenge”.

“For the Leigh-On-Sea Striders it is the highlight of our running calendar –there’s nothing else like it. It is a really friendly, welcoming event and you feel genuinely welcome whether you are an ultra-runner or a walker. It is professionally run but feels like a local event.”

“Embrace it. It’s a unique event and flexible too, so you can run one lap then camp and chat, or run as many laps as you like. I loved camping; it was lots of fun, the food was always good and the barbeque is delicious. I have very fond memories of HARP24, and it’s not just the event I love, I think it’s an important cause.”

01702 415 837 misty.eaglestone-hill @harpsouthend.org.uk www.harp24.org.uk.

An important fundraising event

HARP24 2023 will be taking place on Saturday 17th June and Sunday 18th June at Cherry Orchard Country Park. As well as being an incredible running event, HARP24 is an important fundraising event for HARP, Southend’s Homeless Charity. Every penny raised at HARP24 funds the life-changing work of HARP, who support around 1,000 local people experiencing or at risk of homelessness every year. You can find out more information and how to sign up at www.harp24.org.uk.