The team has grown this year to Tom (thankfully not bare-foot again after the minor hospitalisation last year!), Dean the Rhino (see 18th January news), and Christina and I as flanking angels.

What is the John Austin Half?

The John Austin Half Marathon has been organised in memory of New Forest resident John Austin, a keen sportsman who was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. During his illness he recieved great care from the Oakhaven Hospice and the run has been organised to help raise funds for its work supporting those with terminal illness. The course is 13.1 miles (half marathon) through the forest and heathland around Brockenhurst, with most of the running being on gravel forestry roads and tarmac, with some grass and a bit of mud thrown in if the weather is wet.

"Over the last two years we have raised more than £27 000 for Oakhaven Hospice Trust. We have had very enthusiastic feedback from our competitors despite appalling weather last year, so by popular demand the race is back for 2013... 

100% of the proceeds go to charity."

http://www.johnaustinhalf.co.uk/