Barney to Beach Fundraiser Success: £15,000 raised for local children’s charities
On 15th September our North Devon hub teamed up with Families in Grief to deliver the brand new fundraising event Barney to Beach.
After much planning and preparation by race director Bryan Abell, over 300 runners and walkers were up early to arrive at Barnstaple Pannier Market to register and start the morning listening to the beautiful voices of Chivenor Military Ladies Choir, who kindly supported the event. Starting on Butchers Row that crisp Sunday morning, participants took on the challenge of eight miles of variable terrain; covering tarka trail, gravel paths, stone stiles and eventually a gruelling sand dune section to finish at Crow Point.
Inspired by Australia’s City to Surf events, this town to tide journey was the first of its kind in the UK. The running and walking event had a very British twist; whilst the Australian version usually finishes with a beach BBQ or a bacon bap, the Barney to Beach event finished with plentiful tea and cakes!
Elite runners led the pack, with Keith Shapland from Bideford Amateur Athletic Club completing the distance in an impressive 47 minutes. Arron Kearney came shortly behind, and Joe Davies took third place in just 49 minutes.
The first woman home was Tanya Marrow, only a couple of minutes over the hour mark and an impressive 14th overall.
The event didn’t only cater for elite runners though. Barney to Beach saw mum and daughter teams finish the race, co-workers cross the line together and the youngest finisher completed the distance with their family aged just six years old. Each person finishing the event had the pleasure of being awarded an individually designed medal crafted by children at Southmead Primary School.
The event was also a supportive and significant community gathering for some families marking the loss of a loved one or the overcoming of a challenge together.
For littler legs there was a mile long race through the dunes and 65 young people took part, with a Schools’ Cup kindly sponsored by The Big Sheep.
This spectacular journey from the town to the tide raised essential funds for the important work of two North Devon charities. Both Families in Grief and The Wave Project North Devon step in when North Devon and Torridge families need support the most, delivering therapeutic interventions that set them up for a more positive future, and help them to manage the big feelings that come up after losing a loved one.
The funds raised will support both charities in delivering their services and, in particular, will deliver free places on Surf Therapy courses for young people moving through a period of grief.
“This is a great opportunity to bring two small charities together to help young people and the community support was heartwarming to see.” Naomi Jefferies, CEO of FiG
Supported by a plethora of wonderful local businesses, Barney to Beach was also made possible by a number of volunteers from a range of North Devon community groups. Without their support, this amazing fundraising event could not have happened.
“We know that 2024 was just the beginning of what can be a brilliant annual North Devon event and an excellent way for residents to celebrate our wonderful landscape and coastline. We’re already looking forward to Barney to Beach 2025 and encourage you to look out for the new date to get involved as a runner, walker, volunteer or supporter!” Jaz Bennett, The Wave Project North Devon Coordinator.
Barney to Beach 2025 will take place on 14th September 2025
Starting in Barnstaple Pannier Market, the route will take you through a variety of terrains – mostly flat – along the Tarka trail with some spectacular North Devon views along the way. We then finish through the dunes and onto the beach at Crow Point. What a journey!