Solid gold support for running coach's Parkinson's battle

A star-studded charity fun run and glamorous Gala Dinner will return to the Universityof Birmingham this autumn, after successfully raising over £27,000 for Parkinson’s UK last year.

Bud’s Run and Bash will be held on the University’s Edgbaston campus on Saturday 10th October 2015. Both events were the idea of Bud Baldaro, the former UKA Marathon Coach who’s been based at the University for over a decade. Bud’s encouraged and helped hundreds of distance and middle-distance runners of all standards and ages, in a career spanning over forty years. Diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009, Bud’s determined to use his love of running to help fund research into this long-term condition.

Former 1500m and mile world record holder Steve Cram is just one of the speakers confirmed for the Bash already. Now a top BBC commentator, “Crammy” is one of Britain’s most popular and successful athletes ever.

Bud said:

“I was overwhelmed by the support we got last year. Athletes past and present travelled from across the world to join us. One couple even delayed their honeymoon to attend the Bash. Paula Radcliffe flew in from Monacoespecially. Thanks to everyone’s hard work, we raised over £27 000 for Parkinson’s UK.”

He continued:

“Ever since then people have been asking me if we could host another Bash and Run in 2015. So we thought we'd give it a go. Once again we’ll be taking over the University’s Chancellor’s Court and majestic Great Hall. There’ll be more runners, new star speakers, bigger prizes - anything to drum up extra funds to help fight Parkinson’s.”

Open to everyone, the 5K course is traffic-free and loops round the main campus. There will also be spot prizes, a barbecue, and charity market stalls selling cakes and drinks. World Championships 1500m silver medalist Hannah England is one of the many Bud-coached athletes who will be there on the day.

All the money raised at the Bash and the Run will go towards a new three year research project at the Universityof Birmingham. The project hopes to improve the long term benefit of therapies where people with Parkinson’s learn new movements.

Luke Gunn, international steeplechaser and Head of Athletics at the Universityof Birmingham, said:

"Bud Baldaro is the most influential man of my athletics career and his influence has reached well beyond just running for me and so many others. It was amazing to share the night with so many friends with similar experience and warmth for the great man last year at Buds Run & Bash. It was like the best wedding, party and reunion all rolled into one, and I for one cannot wait to see so many familiar faces again at this year's event."

Sarah Wakeman, Regional Fund Raiser (West Midlands) at Parkinson’s UKsaid:

“Last year’s Bud’s Bash and Run raised a phenomenal £27,000 towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s.  As the UK’s Parkinson’s support and research charity we’re leading the work to find a cure, and we’re closer than ever. But our work is totally dependent on donations. 

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the event and to ‘Team Baldaro’ for their energy and enthusiasm.  This year we hope to raise even more money to help change the lives of people affected by Parkinson’s and urge everyone to get involved with this amazing event for the legend that is Bud Baldaro!”

Full details on Bud’s Run and Bash can be found at www.budsrun.co.uk.