🏃♂️Boaz Fun Day & Trail Run Brings the Community Together at Hill Farm 🎉
On Saturday, September 27, Hill Farm came alive with laughter, muddy trainers, and a fantastic buzz of community spirit as the Boaz Fun Day & Trail Run returned for another joyful year. Set against the backdrop of the Hampshire countryside, runners of all ages enjoyed a day filled with fun, fitness, and connection — all in support of The Boaz Project, our farm-based charity for adults with learning disabilities.
👟 From speedy runners to first-time joggers, participants took on our 2km, 5km, and 10km trail routes, cheered along by friends and families. For those who preferred a slower pace, our friendly donkeys Dave and Dominic led gentle, scenic walks around the fields — and definitely stole a few hearts along the way.
🎶 Live music brought the farm to life, with a brilliant debut performance from Rubik’s Cube, a rock choir from Osborne School in Winchester. Combining music with Makaton sign language, their joyful set was a celebration of inclusivity and expression. Ben Dlugokecki, deputy head and musical director at Osborne School, said: “It’s our first time performing at Boaz, but it feels like a natural fit to be here. Our choir is all about inclusivity.” Their presence felt like such a natural fit with Boaz, and we were honoured to have them join us this year.
🏥 Local band The Mantons, made up of talented medical professionals, also hit the stage with a set of crowd-pleasing tunes.
🎯 Around the farm, there was no shortage of things to do — a haybale obstacle course, a giant Angry Birds catapult, a silent disco, and stalls selling everything from homemade cakes 🍰 and sausages 🌭 to plants, books, 🪴📚 and beautiful handmade bird boxes 🐦.
We were delighted to welcome The Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, who came along to show his support for Boaz — even if he forgot to pack his running shoes! “I’m very impressed with the work Boaz does, working with disadvantaged people – a cause close to my heart,” he said, before congratulating our finishers and soaking up the atmosphere.
⏱️ There were some standout times on the day too:
– Mia Hamblin crossed the 10km finish line in a speedy 41 minutes and 4 seconds
– 15-year-old George Oldroyd won the 5km race in 20 minutes and 35 seconds
But really, everyone who took part was a champion — every smile, every cheer, and every muddy shoe made the day truly special.
As Stuart Palmer, our general manager, put it:
“Days like this capture what Boaz is all about – creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, building friendships, and fun.”
We’re so grateful to everyone who helped make the day such a success — from our wonderful volunteers, to our runners, stallholders, performers, and visitors.
👏 And of course, a huge thank you to our generous supporters: River Coffee, Pole To Pole Marquees Winchester, Run Walk Sport Shop, Kirton Farm Nursery, and Dybles Estate Agents — for helping Boaz grow, every single day. 🌱💚