NOW IN ITS 5TH YEAR!

If you are looking for an organised event that raises money for a fabulous charity and is full of fun, then this one is definitely for you.

Events to Live in association with Dorking Council and Denbies Vineyard (the largest vineyard in England) are delighted to announce the 5th Bacchus Festival. Including a marathon, half-marathon and 2.5k fun run taking place on Sunday 14th September 2014. This year’s charity benefactor is Princess Alice Hospice.

The Bacchus half marathon was voted the 2nd best half marathon in the UK last year by Runner’s World.

The Bacchus festival is unique in the UK. Held just before the grape harvest in September, entrants are invited to sample Denbies award winning wine as they run or walk the event. The course follows paths and bridleways through the spectacular North Downs. The emphasis of this race is fun and so participants are strongly encouraged to wear fancy dress. The best outfit wins a prize! Family fun runs and a space hopper time trial also add to the fun.

Race director, Alan Burrows, said ‘Participants get a chance to sample the best wines on offer from the Denbies Estate. Water stations are provided every two miles and will host the wine tasting and nibbles.

Although the course is undulating, the last mile is all downhill, with glorious views overlooking Denbies Wine Estate and the beautiful Mole Valley’

Participants are greeted at the finish with a bespoke medal, technical tee shirt, hot drinks, water or juice, fresh fruit, cake and a hog roast BBQ, all washed down by a glass of Denbies fine wine. Event sponsor, Powerbar UK www.powerbar.co.uk also provide energy products at the water stations. Race prizes are donated by local running specialist store, Run to Live based in nearby Ashtead Village www.runtolive.co.uk, Mizuno Running, Yurbuds and Gore Running Wear.

There is also a team of sports masseurs from locally based Fine Fettle Multi-Health Care to ease those aching muscles before and after the event.

Nicky Donbavand, Managing Director of Events to Live said ‘We are really excited to be able to organise this event once again. As well as raising money for Princess Alice Hospice we are also hoping the event will generate a lot of interest and boost visitors to the area’. This event has sold out every year since the race’s inception, so this year entries have been increased to 2000.

Jeanette Simpson, Denbies Marketing Manager commented: “Denbies is England’s largest vineyard producing a range of 12 award winning wines, all of which can be sampled en-route. This is designed to be a really fun event – fancy dress is to be encouraged and there will be a post-race BBQ to add to the party atmosphere”.

In the past, Denbies Vineyard has been awarded the ‘Best wine in the world’ accolade for their Chalk Ridge Rose in the International Wine Challenge Competition and featured on BBC1’s ‘The Apprentice’ as a market leader in the production of English Sparking Wine.

There is a generous eight hour cut off for the marathon and seven hours for the half-marathon. The event is suitable for walkers as well as runners and so walkers are most welcome.

All Events to Live events have strong links with charities in the local area. They assist with fund raising as well as helping to raise the profile of the fabulous work the charities do. The nominated charity for the Bacchus is Princess Alice Hospice. A charity dedicated to helping the terminally and seriously ill.

A portion of the entry fee will go to Princess Alice Hospice and (although not compulsory), participants are encouraged to raise money either for this or their own nominated charity

Groups of ten or more attract a 10% discount on application. Contact Alan at info@eventstolive.co.uk.

Further details of the Bacchus festival can be found at www.eventstolive.co.uk