SERIOUS athletes and costumed fun-runners alike will be converging on Malvern next month for what has quickly become an established event in the area's fundraising calendar.

This is the Acorns Triple Run, staged in aid of the hospice of the same name that provides vital support to local life-limited and life-threatened children and their families across the heart of England.

Acorns for the Three Counties, based in Worcester, serves the communities of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire and is currently caring for nearly 200 children.

Now in its sixth year, the Acorns Triple Run is a cornerstone of the charity’s efforts, raising vital funds to allow its services to be available whenever needed, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Being held at the Three Counties Showground in Malvern on Sunday, May 29, the unique three-race format comprises the Malvern half-marathon, accredited by Worcester Athletic Club, the 5km spring fun run and the 1km Chicken Run, a wheelchair-friendly course designed specifically for people with disabilities or special needs.

All three courses start and end at the same place allowing friends and family, both young and old, to participate together.

Kerrie Davies, events manager at Acorns, said: “We rely on voluntary donations for the majority of the £8m plus needed to run our three hospices every year so events like Triple Run are vital to us continuing to operate.

“We need the community to help make this year a success by registering for the event and raising as much money as possible to help us reach our £35,000 target.”

The event grew out of the original Malvern support group for Acorns Children's Hospice.

Chris Riley, of Hanley Swan, who has been the Triple Run chairman since its inception, said: "We decided initially to put on a half-marathon, then after a little thought, we wanted something more inclusive, something for children with special needs, and that became the Chicken Run."

In its first three years, the event consistently raised over £40,000. That has dropped off a little in the last couple of years, something that Chris attributes to the economic climate.

He said: "In the first three years, the costs of staging the event were completely covered by sponsorship from businesses, so that every penny the contestants raised went to the hospice.

"Because of the recession, sponsorship money is somewhat tighter, and we have to cover some of the costs ourselves. But we still raised more than £30,000 last year and it's very much a worthwhile event."

Last year's event attracted over 1,400 entrants, added Kerrie. “It was great to see such a mix of participants, from families and children in wheelchairs, to groups having some fun with fancy dress and the more serious half-marathon runners.

"The day was a huge success with the added bonus of the warm weather making it even more enjoyable, if not a little hot for the runners. Yet again, we were overwhelmed by the support.”

Now you can make a difference by taking part yourself. As well as registering individually, groups of friends, familly members or work colleagues can enter the team challenge in the 5km fun run and there is a similar opportunity for school teams.

For further information and to register for the Triple Run visit www.acorns.org.uk/triplerun.