Doncaster charity calls on runners to lace up for city 10k to support vital creative programmes

After their most successful community fundraising event to date, Doncaster charity, darts, is calling on local runners to help beat their 2025 total, which raised more than £6,000 for vital creative opportunities for local residents.

darts, Doncaster’s award-winning participatory arts charity, delivers creative health and learning programmes across the city.

The organisation is now recruiting a team of committed fundraisers to join the darts run club and take on the Doncaster 10k to ensure these much-loved programmes can continue.

Organised by Curly’s Athletes, Doncaster City 10k is an award-winning event starting and finishing at Doncaster racecourse, with a fast and flat route winding through the city.

Runners will pass The Point – darts’ purpose-built arts centre - twice, where a dedicated cheer squad will be out in full force to support those who are “dashing for darts”.

Runners will also be rewarded with a finisher’s medal, hot chocolate and the famous Toppings pie.

Whether runners are taking part for their wellbeing, aiming for a personal best, or simply looking to be part of a vibrant community event, every step taken will make a real difference to people across Doncaster.

“The dash for darts was one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I have maybe ever done. It was so great to cross the finish line knowing I’d done my best to raise money for a cause that impacts my community so greatly,” said a previous dash for darts runner .

As a registered charity for over 30 years, darts relies solely on fundraising to continue its work.

With rising costs and increasing demand for services, community fundraising initiatives like this are more important than ever as Director (Fundraising and Development) at darts, Sophy Sylvester, notes: “I can’t emphasise enough how important and valuable it is for community members to raise funds to keep our opportunities running.

“It’s getting more and more difficult to secure funding for our vital work that Doncaster residents rely on each week. You can make a huge difference to people’s lives by lacing up your trainers and giving the 10k a go – it's great fun and massively rewarding in so many ways.”

Funds raised will directly support a range of creative programmes, including weekly singing groups for adults living with dementia and their families, art sessions for people experiencing mental ill health, and visual arts workshops for disabled children and young people.

The impact of these sessions is clear: "I suffer from depression and anxiety, being among this great group of people helps. The singing uplifts me," said a Quirky Choir participant .

"Tuneful Chatter sessions are such a welcoming, safe space for my son to learn and play. The artists are so skilled at tailoring the sessions to be age appropriate," added a parent.

dash for darts is a fun and accessible way to support a vital local cause at a time when it is needed most.

To sign up to the darts Run Club, email [email protected]. For more information about darts, its programmes and upcoming events, please visit: https://wearedarts.org.uk.