The Chocolate 5k which takes place in Bournville on Saturday 23rd April, rewards runners with sweet treats as they make their way along the course from Rowheath Pavilion.

Around 400 runners have signed up to the chocolate-themed fun run so far to raise vital funds for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice in Selly Oak. It’s hoped that the event will raise over £20,000 for the charity, which provides free care and support for terminally ill patients and their families across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Lucy Watkins, Events Manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice said: “The Chocolate 5k is a perfect event for families or those with a sweet tooth. It’s a fun way to support your local hospice and every penny raised from the charity run will make a massive difference to those who need our help. We’ve had a great response from the local public so far but we would love to see 500 runners take part to help us make the first Chocolate 5k of the year one to remember.”

There isn’t a minimum sponsorship amount but participants are encouraged to raise as much as they can. Just over £16 could pay for a Day Hospice Nurse for an hour with £155 paying for a community nurse to visit a patient at home.

Online registration for the event will close at Midday on Friday 22nd April. Runners can arrive for the event at Rowheath Pavilion from 9.30am with the chase for chocolate starting at 11.00am. Locals are welcome to come along on the day to cheer on the runners and get their teeth stuck into activities such as the chocolate egg hunt and tombola.