Eco-week starts strong with HR4.5

So far, the event has raised almost £3000, and these funds will be donated to the WWF and Rainforest Alliance; causes voted for by students.

The event, which started at Hills Road, saw staff and students alike gather in the Quad to stretch and get ready with music and a warm-up routine led by Ash Bower, a local Personal Trainer. Participants gathered in a sea of green, all wearing t-shirts featuring the competition-winning 4.5k logo created by Ylva Connell before to show their commitment to preserving the environment.

The event attracted a superb turnout with 4.5k participants clocking up an impressive 1125km and cyclists pedalling 945km. A huge contingent of students turned out in fancy dress including Mario and Luigi, Teletubbies, dinosaurs, a giant sloth and a group of potato farmers. Attention-grabbing outfits from the Senior Leadership Team comprised of fries, ketchup, mustard, and a hotdog, but it was the Biology team who took the staff fancy-dress crown as they completed the run together dressed in their lab coats and carrying Lorax picket signs.

The runners followed a scenic route that included some wide-open green spaces, and everyone was cheered on by enthusiastic volunteers and supporters. The finish line was a sight to behold, with tired but happy participants arriving back at college to be welcomed with water and snacks. First home was Elliot Pratt closely followed by Sammy Bream, Saioa Galvin, and Jenny Leggate.

HR4.5k was a huge success, bringing together the community and raising awareness about the importance of protecting the environment. The students' efforts demonstrate that even small actions can make a big difference, and their dedication to the cause is a source of inspiration for us all.