Ras123 campaign calls on the public to run one mile (or more) to raise money for Wales’ health sector charities in May.
Ras123 is organised by Ras yr Iaith, a national event happening every two years that raises money for community projects promoting the use of the Welsh language. Ras yr Iaith 2020, meant to be held this July, has been postponed until 2021 following the social distancing rules issued by the Welsh Government.
However, Ras yr Iaith, along with the Mentrau Iaith language initiatives are asking the people of Wales to take part in a virtual race to raise money during this difficult time. The aim of Ras123 is to run around Wales (the length of the Wales Coast Path and Offa’s Dyke Path combined) as many times as possible during May in 3 steps. Step 1 – run 1 mile or more. Step 2 – participants are encouraged to nominate 2 others to take part and step 3 – to contribute £5 or more to the Ras yr Iaith Go Fund Me Page.
The money raised for Ras123 will be split equally between the charities of the 7 health boards in Wales to go toward community health needs in their areas, which are under strain dealing with the developing coronavirus.
Lowri Jones, chair of Mentrau Iaith Cymru, the campaign organisers, says;
“Ras yr Iaith usually raises money every two years towards increasing the use of the Welsh language around Wales. However, the situation is very different this year and although it’s disappointing to postpone the event, we felt the importance to raise money towards supporting the effort against Coronavirus.
We decided to organise this virtual race to encourage people of all ages to take part by running, jogging or walking one mile, inside or out – complying with the social distancing rules of course – before nominating two others and giving £3.
We are determined that the money raised has an effect throughout Wales. Therefore, all the money given to Ras123 will be split between the 7 charities linked to the 7 health boards in Wales to ensure every community with benefit from the campaign.”