Runners and walkers unite against hate in Wolverhampton

The Race Against Hate Park Run/Walk was the final event of a week of activities organised by the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, supported by Wolverhampton Council, to raise awareness of the importance of reporting hate crimes.

The week of activities had seen public awareness sessions at city centre venues such as Sainsbury's and in the Mander Centre, plus a tea party at K Teas Cakes in the city centre.

The Race Against Hate Park Run/walk was held in West Park on Sunday, October 20 and took the form of a 5k run and walk, with entrants doing three circuits of the park in support and to raise awareness of the city’s zero tolerance to hate crime, and celebrating its cohesive and diverse communities.

The event drew a diverse crowd of over 130 people, with Wolverhampton councillors Sohail Khan and Lynne Moran speaking to those in attendance in the bandstand in the centre of the park before sounding the siren for the run to begin.

A vibrant mix of colours were on display during the event, with some runners wearing fancy dress and covering themselves in glitter and ribbons to go with the theme of the day.

Deborah Smith, Prevent and Cohesion Officer for Wolverhampton Council, co-ordinated the week of events and spoke about the support throughout the week and plans for next year.

She said: "The week’s events were very successful, with the school council from Ormiston NEW Academy took part in writing pledges and raising awareness in an event in the Mander Centre and people engaging with staff who came along from Victim Support working in partnership with us to raise awareness. Sainsbury's were brilliant in supporting the week of events.

"I was delighted that so many people came along on Sunday. Its the first time we have done a race against hate and it will become an annual event.

"I spoke to many people who asked if we would be doing the race again next year. More and more people are feeling confident in coming forward and standing up to hate crime."