Newbury firefighters running Bayer race in full kit

Up to 1,000 runners expected to participate

Newbury firefighters will be running 10k in their breathing apparatus alongside 1,000 runners in Newbury’s Bayer race, on Sunday, May 24.

An eight-strong team from Red Watch at Newbury Fire Station, including a Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) officer, are currently in training for the eighth annual race, which they intend to run wearing full kit, including breathing apparatus, to raise funds for Naomi House Children’s Hospice and Jacksplace in Sutton Scotney.

Red Watch crew manager, Martyn Doolin, said they would be breathing in air from cylinders weighing 20kg carried on their backs throughout the race, while running in thick, fire-retardant clothing, with worries about overheating while running.

“Fire kit is really good at keeping the heat out – but it keeps the heat in. A bit of rain would be nice.” said Mr Doolin.

The firefighters are currently training for the run, by wearing kit while running on a treadmill and the station’s Blue Watch will be supporting colleagues by taking along a fire engine on the day, for children to look around, and will also be collecting donations.

Bayer’s head of communications, Simon Greenstreet, said: “We have a lot of very enthusiastic and motivated runners, including people raising money for our nominated charity, Naomi House and Jacksplace, or a charity of their own choosing.

“Others are running because they simply want to improve their health and lose weight.”

Up to 1,000 men, women and children are expected to enter the 10k event or the shorter races for under 16s, over distances of 1.5km and 900 metres.

Entries for the 10k race close around a week before the big day – during which the Bayer Rock Choir will entertain the crowds.

To enter, visit the race website at www.bayer.co.uk.