'Cobalteers' run for Hampshire good causes

Nine members of Cobalt Telephone Technologies’ staff  competed in a 10k road race to raise money for charity. The Hook Fun Run raises funds for local organisations and charities in Hampshire. Over the past 24 years it has raised £105,000.

This year’s event is expected to donate £5,000 to local schools, sports, arts and young people’s activities. A record 1,100 runners crossed the line on 15 May.

Cobalt project manager Katy Willcox managed training for the event, running weekly sessions at the company’s Basingstoke office after work over a four-month period. She coached the newcomers and helped them develop their stamina. Willcox did this while training for the London Marathon, which she ran in support of Children with Cancer.

Commercial director Harry Clarke said: “We have always encouraged staff to socialise and join in organised and ad hoc activities outside the office. It helps colleagues get to know each other and these ‘sportials”’ (sport/socials), as we call them, generate great teamwork and bonding. This is the first time we’ve had so many take part in a running event, and I am particularly proud of those who started from scratch and trained up to this not insignificant distance. There were some aching limbs the next day at work but I’m hopeful that the new runners will continue with this healthy new hobby.” 

Despite temperatures exceeding 20 degrees, the ‘Cobalteers’ team came second of three ‘non-running clubs’ taking part.  Harry Clarke led the group with a chip time of 50 minutes, 36 seconds while marketing manager Anne Snelson came second in 52:01.