A fun-packed, mud-splattered day of giggles and adventure is being promised at two popular obstacle course challenges in Suffolk. The annual Whole Hog and Boss Hog races are taking place at Wantisden Hall, near Woodbridge, and anyone signing up has the chance to help raise vital funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
For every person that registers, and ticks a simple box on the online form, organisers eight point two events have again pledged to donate £5. Last year the company handed over £830 to EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. More money then followed from sponsorship and cash put into collection buckets on the day.
This year’s Whole Hog (30+ obstacles and around five miles) and Boss Hog (40+ obstacles and around seven miles) races are taking place on 8th October. Daredevils taking part can expect to crawl under cargo nets, through tunnels, climb steep banks and walls, wade through rivers, swing across monkey bars and much more.
Eight point two Director Ian Bliss said: “We love putting on this event and the number of sign-ups is encouraging.
“Already 1,200 people have registered and that’s up on the figure from this time last year. Although it’s a timed event and some people are competitive, the vast majority just love having fun.
“They see it as a day of adventure and camaraderie with friends, family and colleagues and we’re fortunate to have a perfect venue at Wantisden Hall. We’re also pleased to once again be supporting EACH.
“It’s been our charity partner for four or five years and we love raising as much as possible for this very special and important cause. As a local lad and dad of two boys, it’s something I feel strongly about and I’ve been fortunate enough to make many visits to The Treehouse.
“It’s an exceptional place and a charity that offers much-needed care and support to children, young people and families when they need it most. It’s our pleasure to do whatever we can to help.”
The 10.30am wave has sold out already but there is still time to book up for one of the other three, at 9.30am, 11.30am or 12.30pm. Ali Butler, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “We’re very much looking forward to this fantastic day.
“It’s always a lot of fun – very successful and well-run, in a family-orientated atmosphere. This year will be no different and there’s still time to sign up, if you’d like to take part.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who might be able to give us some time to be a marshal on the day. Events of this nature can’t take place without the support of volunteers and we’d be so pleased and grateful to hear from anyone who can help.”
In terms of taking part, you can sign up as an individual or on behalf of a team of up to 20 people. The cost per person is £48. Larger teams can email bookings@wholehograces.co.uk to discuss alternative booking options and spectators are welcome.
To register your interest in volunteering, email community@each.org.uk Eight point two events was launched in 2005 and the Whole Hog races were first held in 2007.
The company also works in tandem with EACH to organise its popular Piglet Junior Hog, which was held on 9th July. More than 1,300 people signed-up for the family-friendly four-kilometre course and helped raise a staggering £48,500.
