21 for 21
Charity Run
24th and 25th October
Merrist Wood College, Guildford
21 for 21. A run for Charlie.
Running, food, drink and music.
On 28th October, Charlie would have been celebrating his 21st birthday.
Instead, we're asking you to help us raise £21,000 in his memory.
Every pound goes towards continuing the work Charlie's Promise was built to do: going into schools, educating young people about the dangers of knife crime, and raising awareness that reaches families and communities across the UK. This is how we keep Charlie's promise alive, and how we stop this happening to someone else's child.
This isn't simply a run, it's our community coming together to share Charlie's story. There'll be food, drink and music throughout the weekend, so there's something for everyone, whether you're taking part or not!
Join us at Merrist Wood College for a two-day charity run weekend, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.
Choose the distance that suits you. However you take part, you're helping keep young people safe.
Location: Merrist Wood College, Holly Lane, Worplesdon, Guildford, GU3 3PE
Please find full terms and conditions for our Charity Run here.
Why take part?
Charlie was our 17-year-old son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He was fun-loving, kind and cheeky, with the most ridiculously silly sense of humour. He didn't like arguments and was always the first to walk away from trouble. If it could happen to Charlie, it can happen to anyone.
Every pound raised through 21 for 21 helps Charlie's Promise reach more young people, more schools and more communities with the education and support that helps keep them safe.
Food, Drink & Music
We'd love our runners and walkers to have friends and family cheering them on, and parents or guardians bringing younger participants are very welcome to stay for the day.
Parking at Merrist Wood is limited, so please travel together with your runner or walker rather than bringing an extra car, as there's no additional parking nearby.
Our volunteers will be on hand throughout to help create a brilliant atmosphere at the start and finish, with music, food and refreshments, plus a warm-up session before each race.
Whether you're taking on 2.1km, 5km, 10km or the full 21km, or cheering from the sidelines, expect a warm welcome and plenty of Charlie's Promise support. We can't wait to bring our community together this October, in Charlie's memory.
Fundraising
Taking part is just the start. Setting up your own JustGiving page is one of the easiest ways to raise even more for Charlie's Promise, whether you're running with us at Merrist Wood or supporting from afar.
We'll soon be sharing a PDF outlining how easy it is to fundraise yourself, with simple step-by-step guidance to help you get set up and start collecting donations in minutes. Keep an eye on this page, we'll add the link as soon as it's ready.
FAQs
How much does it cost to take part?
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21km Charity Run: £30.00
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10km Charity Run: £21.00 for adults, £18.00 for under 18s
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5km Charity Run: £15.00
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2.1km Family Fun Run: £12.00 for adults, £10.00 for under 18s
What's the route?
Route TBC — a full route reveal is planned ahead of the event. We'll update this section once it's confirmed.
Can young people take part?
We expect a lot of young people to take part, and we'd love to have them there. A few age guidelines apply for safety:
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2.1km Family Fun Run: all ages welcome. Under 12s must be accompanied around the course by a responsible adult, and 12–17s can take part independently with parent or guardian permission.
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5km: minimum age 14 on the day.
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10km: minimum age 15 on the day.
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21km: minimum age 17 on the day.
Anyone under 18 needs permission from a parent or guardian to take part.
Is there a family ticket available?
Yes. The 2.1km Family Fun Run has a Family of 4 package for £36.00, valid for either 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children.
How do I book my place?
Booking is open now. You can book your place directly via Njuko: in.njuko.com/21-for-21.
Is there parking?
Yes, which is why entry numbers are capped. We do recommend car sharing where you can.
Is public transport nearby?
For details on public transport links click here.
Can I fundraise for the run myself?
Yes. Whether you're taking part or not, you can set up your own JustGiving page to raise money for Charlie's Promise. See "Fundraise for the run" above for our step-by-step guide.
Do I need to be a runner?
No. You can walk, jog or run any of the distances, and every distance is open to all abilities. The 2.1km and 5km are especially popular with families and first-timers.
What happens to the money raised?
Every pound goes towards the work Charlie's Promise was set up to do: going into schools, educating young people about the dangers of knife crime, and raising awareness across the UK. See "Why we're running" above.
I can't attend the run, how else can I support?
You don't need to take part to help. You can donate directly online, set up your own JustGiving page to fundraise in your own time, or simply share this page with friends, family or your school or workplace.
I'm not running, can I still come to Merrist Wood?
Absolutely, come along and be part of it. There'll be food, drink and live music throughout the weekend, and plenty of people simply there to cheer on friends and family. You don't need to be taking part to enjoy the day.
What if it rains on the day?
The great British weather is always changing, but the run will go ahead, rain or shine. Just expect to get wet!
What's the postcode?
Finding Merrist Wood College can sometimes be difficult. Please don’t put their postcode into SatNav as it may lead you to a dead-end road! Instead, please use GU3 3PB which is for Rokers, who are opposite their main entrance on Holly Lane. Once you get to the top of our long driveway, turn right at the T-junction then turn left into the car park.
Alternatively use what-3-words.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs on site must be kept on a lead at all times and poo picking is mandatory.
Are terms and conditions available?
Yes, please find our terms and conditions here. If you have any questions please contact us directly.
I'm In! Sign me up.
Ready to be part of it?
Click below to register your place at Merrist Wood College. Every entry helps keep young people safe, so run, walk or simply show up, and help us fight for a future where no other family has to make the promise Martin made to Charlie.
Not taking part? Come down anyway, enjoy the food, drink and live music, and cheer everyone else on."