Over 300 runners took to the Allianz Stadium this week to complete a 5K course around the home of England Rugby, while helping to raise valuable funds for two charities with a special connection to Twickenham.
Profits from the event, organised by Twickenham Experience Limited (TEL), were donated to the RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF) and the Vineyard Community.
The IPF is an official charity of England Rugby and supports players at any level of the game who have sustained a life-changing injury, such as a catastrophic spinal cord or acute, severe traumatic brain injury, while playing rugby union in England. The IPF also helps to reduce the risk of future injuries through research and education.
The Vineyard Community is a local charity dedicated to transforming the lives of those in crisis and battling homelessness, food poverty, addiction, loneliness and mental health challenges.
Runners had the opportunity to enjoy a unique view of Rugby HQ as they wound their way around five levels of the iconic stadium before returning pitch-side to collect their finishers medal from IPF Ambassador Topsy Ojo, who hosted the event.
Ojo said: “It’s fantastic to see so many people braving the chilly conditions tonight to raise money and awareness for two brilliant causes in the RFU Injured Players Foundation and Vineyard Community, while having a lot of fun at the same time.
“You get to see the stadium in a different light, and I think the biggest thing that strikes you is the smiles you see on people’s faces as they cross the line. It’s an event for everyone, so we had some finish the 5K in 18 minutes, which is fast, and we had some do it in 45/50 minutes, but the smile was still the same.
“The community spirit is really strong. You can run this with friends or your running club or with gym members, but you also do it with people you haven’t met before and that’s nice too. We’ve had kids from as young as six, to people in their 60s taking part so it’s been a lovely mix.
“I’m proud to be here in my role as an IPF Ambassador. It’s so important to raise funds and awareness of the Injured Players Foundation. We are an official charity of England Rugby and yet I'd say some people still don't know enough about us. So, any opportunity to raise more awareness or to link with other charities and to promote the work the IPF does for rugby in England is huge.”
One runner who appreciates first-hand the positive impact IPF support can have on an injured player’s life is Hamish Minton, who has been an IPF beneficiary since sustaining a brachial plexus injury in 2022. Hamish is also running this year’s London Marathon for the IPF and loved taking part in the 5K alongside his girlfriend Tash.
“It was such a relaxed and enjoyable event,” he said. “The highlights were reaching the top of the stadium and getting glimpses from the fourth or fifth level of the golden pitch with the lights shining on it and, of course, crossing the finishing line pitch-side.
“It was also brilliant to meet Topsy Ojo who was hosting the event. He’s such a genuine guy, and as beneficiaries of the charity we really appreciate the time he and other IPF Ambassadors give to support the Injured Players Foundation, which has been instrumental in many of our recoveries.
“The charity has been there for me emotionally, physically and financially since my accident. In every way possible really. I was lost and confused after my injury, I was down in the dregs, and the IPF picked me up and put me back on my feet.
“In my mind, the IPF really is the no. 1 rugby charity when it comes to supporting players from all levels of the game, including amateur players like me, who have sustained a life-changing injury while playing rugby in this country.”
Hamish’s girlfriend Natasha added: I’ve never been to the Allianz Stadium when it’s not packed on a matchday and I’ve never run round a stadium before, so tonight was a really fun experience.
“Hamish had his injury when we were at university and the IPF have been there for him ever since. They’ve helped him be able to drive again to regain independence, he’s taken part in a load of activities and met so many amazing people through the charity. The IPF has helped him get his spark back which is really lovely to see.”
The ‘Home of England Rugby 5K’ was proudly supported by generous sponsors who helped make the event a memorable celebration for all involved. Participants were able to enjoy a well-earned post-race celebration drink courtesy of Lucky Saint, whose refreshing alcohol-free beer was the perfect way to toast their achievement. Meanwhile, SUDU played a key role as the official medal sponsor, providing runners with high-quality medals to mark their success and commemorate the occasion.
Allianz Stadium Head of Operations Darren Belmont had to the idea to create this unique 5K last year as part of his and TEL colleagues’ London Marathon fundraising efforts for the IPF. After another great success, Darren said: "Seeing so many people take part in the Home of England Rugby 5K fills me with immense pride. It's incredibly emotional to watch individuals of all abilities come together, challenge themselves, and genuinely enjoy the experience.
“The atmosphere, determination and sense of community on the day truly highlight what this event is all about, and I couldn't be prouder of everyone who took part."
Andrew, who travelled up from Portsmouth to participate in the 5K having enjoyed last year so much said. “It’s a fantastic event, supporting very worthy causes. It’s a brilliant atmosphere at an amazing venue. You can’t fault it really.”
Issy Hare, from London, added: “It was such a fun evening, although the spirals were tougher than I expected! It was super nice to be so close to the pitch and to see the Allianz Stadium under the lights. As well as having fun with friends, it was also nice to know that what you’ve done today has also helped really good causes.”
The event was also an opportunity to catch up with many familiar faces from the local area and the Allianz Stadium, with a number of IPF, RFU and TEL staff participating.
“It’s nice to see so many members of staff taking part, and so many people from the local community,” said Karen Neale, IPF Client Services Officer. “It’s a great way to get so many people together to raise money for really good causes.”
Catherine Harrison and Tara Thorne, who work for England Rugby, loved seeing their ‘office’ from a different perspective.
“It was definitely a very different view of the Allianz Stadium to the one we normally have, and it was such an enjoyable way to spend the evening with friends and colleagues,” said Catherine.
“It’s important to us to support the RFU Injured Players Foundation as one of England Rugby’s official charities and we know the difference the charity’s support can make as it helps people rebuild their lives.”
Tara added: “It was honestly one of the most wholesome evenings I’ve experienced. Just so much fun, with a great mix of people all supporting each other and the charities. One of the important aspects of the IPF’s work for me is how it supports a player’s family as well as the player themself, and tonight really mirrored that family feel that rugby has.”
IPF fundraising executive Anna Thornley said: “It was a unique experience with a really nice community feel to it. The uphill spiral was tough, but the downhill spiral was a lot more fun! To finish by the pitch was an incredible experience and of course we are here to support two incredible charities in the Injured Players Foundation and Vineyard Community which is the main reason we are all here.”
