Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to take part in the tenth annual Run for Joel; a colourful run through Sandwell Valley Country Park.
Runners, walkers, and even dogs are invited to take part in either a 5km or 3km event which begins with runners covering themselves in environmentally friendly paint powder, creating a rainbow of unique colours to run in.
The event takes place on the morning of Sunday 7 June from 9am and is held by the charity Smile for Joel, which was set up to remember University of Worcester student Joel Richards.
Joel was a cherished member of the community when, at just 19, he became the youngest victim of the Sousse massacre in 2015, in which his uncle and grandfather were also killed.
Since then, the charity set up in his memory has raised thousands of pounds to support families who are victims of terrorism and murder. His mother, Suzanne Richards, has been awarded an MBE and a Pride of Britain Award for her work with the charity.
“This is the tenth Run for Joel we’ve done,” said Suzanne. “It’s always a brilliant event. We love seeing families come along and do the shorter run together; there’ll be families walking it and running it, people bring their dogs along and we even see kids on bikes, it’s just wonderful.”
The day begins at 9am, with the 5km beginning at 10am and the 3km beginning at 11am.
“Before we set off, the runners take a sachet of paint powder and we throw it in the air to cover ourselves in bright and vivid colours,” Suzanne said. “Not everyone gets colourful; some runners don’t want to get paint on their best running shoes so they just cheer on from the side!”
BBC WM personality Daz Hale will be there, as will a local singer to add to the atmosphere.
Suzanne said: “For us, this event is always about our community. We have hundreds of people come along every year and they run together, have fun, and remember Joel, Ade, and Dad.”
The event costs £15 for the 5km, and £12 for the 3km. Children under 12 taking part in the 3km are £5, and infants under 2 can take part for free.
The price includes entry to the event, a running bib, powder paint and a limited edition Run for Joel 2026 wristband.
Runners are encouraged to set up a personal fundraising page to support Smile for Joel via the charity’s JustGiving page.
Read more and sign up on the event webpage.
For information on courses at University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk