Coventry Charity Urges Runners to Support Foodbank and Global Relief Efforts
A Coventry-based charity is making a heartfelt appeal for participants to help raise significant funds by signing up for the city's two major running events next month. Feed The Hungry, which operates the Coventry foodbank, has been selected as one of the partner charities for the Coventry Half Marathon and the 10K, both scheduled for April 19.
Charity Partnership and Mission
Rich Smith, the head of communications at Feed The Hungry, expressed immense enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are absolutely thrilled to be a charity partner for the 2026 Coventry Half-Marathon and 10k," he said. "Every pound raised by runners on April 19 will help us in our mission to combat hunger both here in Coventry, and across the globe."
Smith emphasized the critical role of community involvement, stating, "We'd love as many people as possible to lace up their trainers and join 'Team Feed The Hungry' for either the Half-Marathon or the 10K routes that start and end in our city." He highlighted that sponsorship money will provide a lifeline to families and children facing food crises, whether runners are supporting Feed The Hungry directly or specifically aiding the Coventry Foodbank project.
For those not participating in the runs, Smith encouraged attendance to cheer on the athletes, aiming to make the event a community-wide success. "If running isn't for you, we'd still love to see you there! Come down, soak up the atmosphere and cheer on the runners," he added.
Global and Local Impact
Feed The Hungry extends its support beyond Coventry, assisting people in the UK and in lower-income countries such as Zambia, Bolivia, and Nepal. The charity has also been actively involved in emergency relief efforts, including sending and distributing tonnes of aid to those in need in Ukraine.
Runner's Personal Commitment
One dedicated participant is 24-year-old Robbie Kalnins from Bedworth, who is running on behalf of Feed The Hungry. This event marks his return to the start line, with hopes to surpass his previous time of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Kalnins shared his motivation, noting that his business, Elevata, has previously donated about four weeks of food to families in Coventry during Christmas last year, a tradition he plans to continue. "Feed The Hungry is the most charitable, humble and immersive charity I have dealt with," he said.
He recounted a positive experience with Steve Crump from Coventry foodbank, who personally explained the impact of donations. "This is something that I have never experienced from a charity and it was a really eye-opening experience," Kalnins remarked. "I’m very lucky and blessed to have never needed to use a foodbank and this is why I feel it is needed to give back to the community to support because food is such a necessity."
Event Details and Participation
The Half-Marathon and 10K events will commence on Gosford Street and conclude at Coventry Cathedral. All runners will receive an exclusive medal, a goody bag, and post-run treats. To register, participants must commit to a minimum sponsorship of £100.
Additionally, a 'Charity Village' will be set up in University Square, featuring stalls where attendees can learn more about the work of Feed The Hungry and Coventry foodbank. Other named charity partners include Back and Forth Men’s Mental Health, Coventry Cyrenians, Jane Tomlinson Appeal, Myton Hospice, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, and Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice.
Runners aged 17 and above are invited to sign up for the events. For those in need of support from Coventry foodbank, assistance is available through their website or by visiting local foodbank resources.
