The Southport Strollers Running Club has won a major regional award for the huge success of their Red Squirrel 10k in Southport.
The club said it was “a privilege” to have won the Community Project accolade at the England Athletics Regional Awards.
Southport Strollers worked together with Natural England to organise the first ever Red Squirrel 10k race in Ainsdale Nature Reserve on Sunday 6th April 2025.
The event was a huge success, involving over 75 volunteers and 300 runners, with the organisers overcoming a number of challenges to organise an event in the middle of the pinewoods.
Runners also managed to raise over £1,000 for the Southport Stronger Together charity.
A Southport Strollers Running Club spokesperson said: “We won! We’re so proud to share that our Southport Strollers Running Club Red Squirrel 10k has been named ‘Community Project’ winner at the England Athletics Regional Awards!
“What a privilege to be nominated and attend such a brilliant event celebrating the volunteers of the running community.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible spirit of our community. With the support of an amazing army of over 75 volunteers, we not only delivered a fantastic race day experience for 300 runners, but also raised vital funds for the Southport Strong Together appeal, to support those affected by the horrific attacks in Southport last year.
“On Thursday we’ll be planting 200 mini pine trees in Ainsdale Dunes — a lasting legacy for our local environment
“The award belongs to every runner, volunteer, supporter, partner, and most of all our Southport community.
“Together, we’ve tried to show the power to unite, inspire, and give back and have loved doing it as a team.
“Congratulations to all the finalists and winners from the North West running community, a very special night indeed! Thank you.”
The Red Squirrel 10k race will return for its second year on Sunday 19th April 2026.
The route for the race is described as both “both scenic and challenging”, designed to appeal to all those who enjoy trail running.
The race winds its way through the wooded paths and finishes with a sting in its tail, as runners mount the highest dune peak before a final run through the woods to the finish.
The course is suitable for those who have never contemplated trail running before, or those who are seasoned trail running pros.
The course would be described as moderately difficult, but suitable for all running abilities. Southport Strollers is a friendly, supportive and inclusive England Athletics affiliated running club which runs social runs in 4k,5k and 7k groups every Tuesday at 6.30pm, and every Thursday at 7pm.
There are speed sessions every Monday at 6.30pm.
For more details visit the Southport Strollers website here.
Ainsdale Nature Reserve is owned by Natural England which is responsible for managing this unique habitat. The sand dunes support unique flora and provide a home to numerous creatures, from newts, toads, sand lizards and moths, to deer and you may even spot a red squirrel.
You can find out more about the reserve and the aims of Natural England here.
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