Rollits runners are taking on a 10K challenge in aid of a worthy cause

Hull Is This had a chat with Josh Hobson about the MKM Hull 10K Corporate Challenge 2024.

The MKM Hull 10K Corporate Challenge 2024 is organised by Run For All, which is part of the lasting legacy of the late amateur athlete and fundraiser Jane Tomlinson CBE. Taking place on Sunday 9 June, businesses from across the region are assembling teams that will race through the streets of Hull city centre in aid of their chosen charities.

The Corporate Challenge is a race within a race taking place alongside the Hull 10K that’s open to the public, which will see teams battle it out to be crowned Corporate Challenge Champions. Rather than competing as individuals, the aim is for each corporate team to work collectively and cross the finish line in the quickest combined time.

Passionate about raising funds for worthy causes and never one to shy away from a challenge, local law firm Rollits has a team that’s already getting its miles in. Team Captain Josh Hobson is joined by Zaneta Andraszczyk, Enisha Ali, Stuart Lumb, Harriet Wheeldon, Harriet Kingston, Harry Milner, Sam East, Molly Bloom and Emma Horscraft, who are all excited to represent Rollits on the day.

“I personally have never run a 10K before,” said Josh, “so it’s exciting to take on this challenge, plus it’s a great way to keep fit. Rollits raises awareness and money for charities in a variety of ways, so we decided this was an excellent addition to our annual event calendar.”

Together the ten team members are raising money for Bliss, which is the Charity of the Year for the Rollits Hull office. Bliss is a national organisation that supports parents and families of premature or sick babies by providing face-to-face and email support, giving them access to practical information and a listening ear when they need it the most. This charity was chosen because Rollits sadly lost a young ex-member of staff last year, and Bliss was very close to her heart.

Starting on Alfred Gelder Street, the route of the MKM Hull 10K Corporate Challenge 2024 covers Citadel Way, South Bridge Road and Victoria Dock before passing by The Deep and continuing around Hull Minster, down Whitefriargate, up to Jameson Street and Prospect Street, along Wright Street, John Street and George Street, and then finishing back at Alfred Gelder Street. As well as taking in many Hull landmarks, the circuit includes multiple water stations, first aid stations, cheer points, and even a High 5 station at the seven-kilometre marker in Queen Victoria Square.

“We’ve set up a running club so that we can be in top shape on the day,” said Josh. “Thanks to Rollits being located on High Street, it’s been easy to chart out our post-work practice route so that it mirrors the first 5K of the actual event. This is proving a great way for us all to prepare for the day and enjoy some team bonding in the process, plus it means we miss the rush hour when we go home afterwards.

“I’m personally hoping to complete the 10K in 47 minutes,” added Josh. “I’ve managed to run 5k in 26 minutes, so I took double that as a baseline and shaved off five minutes. I thought if I’m going to do this, I might as well set myself an ambitious target!”

If you’re attending the event, you’ll easily be able to spot Josh and his team thanks to their branded tops that sport the Rollits and Bliss logos. Anyone can donate to their fundraiser via their JustGiving page, which has a target of £2,000.