Vision 5k UK 2008

Sense is calling for runners and walkers of all abilities across the UK to take part in a unique race that’s set to challenge your senses of sight and hearing.

Based on a winning formula that has enjoyed huge success in the US, Vision 5K is new to the running circuit and will take place across the UK over the summer months.

The 5km race is open to all runners and is also suitable for families. Where it becomes unique is for at least one lap of the race runners can choose to undertake one lap blindfolded while being led by a non-blindfolded partner.

We hope runners of all ages will join in the fun and we are actively encouraging people with sight and hearing impairments to also take part.

With locations across the UK, there's bound to be one near you:
18 May 2008, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham
29 June 2008, Roundhay Park, Leeds
6 July 2008, Palmer Park, Reading
20 July 2008, Eastville Park, Bristol
7 September 2008, Whatman Park, Maidstone, Kent
14 September 2008, Victoria Park, London

18 May 2008, Canon Hill Park, Birmingham

Race start time: 11am

Cannon Hill Park is one of the premier parks in Birmingham and has been awarded green flag status - with beautiful flowerbeds, lakes and a wonderful collection of trees, it's easy to see why. There's plenty of opportunity for exercise at the park's tennis courts, bowling and putting greens and wildlife enthusiasts can follow the walkways and cycle routes alongside the River Rea.

The conservation area within the park includes a five acre woodland known as the 'RSPB Centenary Plantation'. There is also a wildflower meadow, which is sown each year with flowers such as field poppy, cornflower and corn marigold, providing visitors to the park with a spectacle which is very rare in the urban environment. Traditional forms of land management are also used to enhance this beautiful area, less than two miles from the centre of Birmingham.

The park is an ideal venue for families, with children's play areas and boats for hire on the lake in the Summer. There are plenty of picnic areas and refreshments are available at the 'Garden tea rooms' and the 'Midland arts centre'. The route used for Vision 5k is safe, even and clearly marked.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Shad Everett on shad.everett@sense.org.uk, or 0121 415 2751.

Getting there
Buses from City Centre: No.1 (to Edgbaston Road), 45 and 47 (to Pershore Road)

Car parking
There is a large car park off Edgbaston Road, opposite the Warwickshire Cricket Ground, near the Mac entrance. A small car park is located off the Russell Road entrance.

29 June 2008, Roundhay Park, Leeds

Race start time: 11am

The Vison 5k course in Leeds is twice around the lake and the course is suitable for both runners and wheelchair users. We are inviting pairs of runners to undertake one lap blindfolded and led by the non blindfolded partner at the half way mark the runners will change around, challenging each person's senses whilst making the event unique.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Dave Fergus on david.fergus@sense.org.uk or 0113 2059500.

Join us as we run for deafblind people. Run together with family, friends and colleagues as we aim to raise £7,000 towards helping deafblind people who live locally in Reading.

Starting at Palmer Park stadium, this fabulous run is set in acres of beautiful Berkshire parkland and is a popular attraction for many during the Summer months. With a hard surface to run on, this is ideal for all abilities from the novice, the fun runner or the serious athlete.

With easy access from all the major routes this event is a superb way to spend a Summer afternoon.

Take part in Vision 5K Reading and help us make a real difference to local people’s lives.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Ed Charles at ed.charles@sense.org.uk or on 01372 840321.

20 July 2008, Eastville Park, Bristol

Race start time: 11am

Sign up to the Vision 5K UK in Bristol and enjoy a run (or walk) through the grand Victorian city park that is Eastville Park. A community venue, Eastville Park is home to many unique features including a large ornamental lake, an original Victorian drinking fountain, beautiful woodlands and a wild flower meadow. When you’ve completed your run why not seize the opportunity to enjoy a trip along the breathtaking Frome Valley Walkway that connects a number of Bristol riverside parks including Oldbury Court Estate and the open, rolling countryside of South Gloucestershire.

For more information, or to sign up contact Harriette Rothwell at harriette.rothwell@sense.org.uk or call 0845 127 0065.

Please note: Although the park is suitable for wheelchair users, there are some paths that are on a slight slope.

Getting there
Junction 2 M32 or via the A432 (Fishponds Road).

Car parking
Access is from Muller Road and Fishponds Road. There is a car park in Park Avenue, accessible from Fishponds Road via Oakdene Avenue which is open from 7.30am until dusk. However, parking is limited.

Opened in 2001, Maidstone’s Millennium River Park is a stylish new park along the banks of the River Medway and is unique in its rural character and urban ambience.

Whatman Park combines a natural landscape with specially constructed activity areas to offer visitors a fantastic experience. It boasts many special features including treetop walks, nature trail, adventure playground and Riverstage arena for outside entertainment. The pleasure boats, Kentish Lady and Allington Belle, also stop at Whatman Park Wharf on request.

The Vision 5k route integrates woodland trails, tree walks and riverside paths which will make the event an unforgettable experience. For more information or to sign up, contact Liz Thornton at liz.thornton@sense.org.uk or call on 0845 127 0065.

Getting there

The nearest train stations are Maidstone East (0.25 miles) and Maidstone West (0.5 miles).
Address: Off St Peters Street, Maidstone, ME16 0SX

Car parking
There is very limited parking at the site however the park is located in central Maidstone so parking in the centre is advisable.