The Roc Tri: Race Report & Thank You
By James Warren
Sep 22, 2022
4 min read
YES!!! THAT REALLY WAS HIS MAJESTY THE KING ON YOUR FIRST LAP!
The smiles said it all! Walkers, joggers, volunteers, passers-by and HM The King himself. A crisp, sunny January morning on the Sandringham estate. And people united by the joy of community and the power of movement when living with and beyond cancer.
Ahead of World Cancer Day King Charles paid a surprise visit to Sandringham parkrun on 5k Your Way day. Volunteer ambassadors and participants were thrilled to see His Majesty smiling and chatting to people as they passed by on the route. It’s the second time he’s surprised the Sandringham 5k Your Way group with a visit. “Almost speechless again!” remarked 5k Your Way ambassador Sophie about the king’s visit. “His continued support of the fantastic initiative that is 5k Your Way and wider raising of the profile of cancer – and the forthcoming World Cancer Day – cannot be understated and is truly appreciated”.
An initiative created by MOVE Against Cancer charity, 5k Your Way supports and encourages those impacted by cancer to walk, joy, run, cheer or volunteer at one of over 125 groups based at designated parkruns across the UK and Ireland. On the last Saturday of the month participants are encouraged to come along and do as much or as little as they wish. Or they can simply come for coffee and a chat. The emphasis is on support and moving in a way that feels right for you.
The joyful photos and the utterly inspired sign reading YES!!! THAT REALLY WAS HIS MAJESTY THE KING ON YOUR FIRST LAP! captured beautifully the essence of community, friendship, support and fun that is 5k Your Way.
The ripple effect of HM The King’s visit has been immense for us at MOVE Against Cancer, for our volunteers and for our whole wider community. The story generated thousands of likes and shares on social media, a huge increase in visits to our website, press articles across the UK and beyond and even coverage on Australian television! In the week that we launched our new campaign – Moving More Together – we are delighted to have the opportunity to share our message more widely about the impact of movement on those living with and beyond cancer.
Awareness raising is important for a small charity like ours. We are incredibly grateful for HM the King’s support and the attention we have received as a result of the royal visit. In this our 10th anniversary year we are passionate about building on the momentum of the past 10 years and the global enthusiasm generated on that sunny January morning at Sandringham. Sophie and fellow 5k Your Way ambassador Sarah summed up the occasion so well when they said: “It’s a memory that will live long into the future”.
