U Do Sport, a new sports event consultancy, has been commissioned by The Prince’s Countryside Fund to stage the second Country Mile at this year’s BBC Countryfile Live from Thursday 2 August to Sunday 5 August.
Taking place in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, the Country Mile is a walk open to all ages. Walkers will follow an organised route around a country mile (6,080 feet versus a standard mile of 5,280 feet) to support The Prince’s Countryside Fund. All finishers will receive a gift to mark the occasion, and the Charity will be asking for a suggested donation of £2 to take part. The Country Mile takes place each day of the show from 9am – 5pm and walkers can take part at any time during this period. Dogs are welcome and sensible footwear is recommended.
Pete Gostling, Managing Director of Udo Sport said: “The country mile has long been analogous with going the extra distance or putting in a bit more effort into something. We want as many people as possible to complete the beautiful course around the grounds of Blenheim Palace to show their support for The Prince’s Countryside Fund and the important work that it does to support the countryside and keeping British farming and village communities sustainable.”
He continued: “The concept of the Country Mile is one that we want to develop into a national program of events staged in rural communities across the UK, getting peoples of all ages active and engaged with the countryside as a resource that should be enjoyed and supported.”
Jo Chiffe, Head of Fundraising, The Prince’s Countryside Fund said “The Prince’s Countryside Fund awards over £1.2m in grants each year and is always ready to help in a crisis.
“We are committed to securing a brighter future for Britain’s countryside and we hope The Country Mile will get people active in the countryside and at the same time inform them of the great work we do.”
