Wrexham to host ‘Speed March’ in support of armed forces veterans

Wrexham will play host to its first ever ‘speed march’ in support of armed forces veterans this month.

The event will start at Llwyn Isaf at 7:30am on Saturday, April 20 before winding its way through surrounding villages and countryside before finishing back at Llwyn Isaf at around 10.30am.

The 13.3 mile (half marathon) march has been organised by Woody’s Lodge – a North Wales charity that provides support and mentoring to armed forces veterans, ex emergency services personnel, reservists and their families.

Participants will take in Gresford, Rossett and parts of Llay and Acton.

Graham Jones, CEO of Woody’s Lodge, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for all the military associations and charities to get together and showcase the important support role we provide for our armed forces veterans and emergency service personnel.

“We are encouraging anyone who is interested and fit enough, to join us on this event.

“This is a military style run/march and you will need to be able to manage a half marathon distance, with short breaks.

“We are inviting the general public to pop down and see our short parade to the Guildhall around 10:30am, and then come and see a variety of charity and association stalls on the green until around 4pm.”

Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Armed Forces Champion, will be joining the march for the final five miles, and has been busy putting in some extra training ahead of the event.

Councillor Parry-Jones said: “This is a fantastic event and another example of Wrexham’s proud links with the armed forces.

“Why not consider taking part? The march will be hard work but lots of fun, with lots of camaraderie and team spirit along the way.

“Or if you can’t take part, why not sponsor someone – or pop down to Llwyn Isaf to cheer us on our way?

“Woody’s Lodge is a wonderful charity and every penny raised will make a difference.”

If you’d like to take part in the speed march on Saturday 20 April, you can register here.

If you would like to help in some other way on the day, please contact [email protected]