Britain’s greatest Olympian to take part in 10K for youth charity

Britain’s greatest ever Olympian Sir Jason Kenny has agreed to run the Derby 10k in support of Enthusiasm Trust.

The track cyclist, who has more gold medals than any other British athlete, will be running in the event on 24 March on behalf of the charity, which helps city children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Based in Cotton Lane, Enthusiasm supports young people who are deemed to be at risk of exclusion, offending or anti-social behaviour.

The annual 10K event is sponsored by the city-based elite sportwear brand HUUB, whose founder, Dean Jackson, is also trustee of the charity.

He has arranged for Sir Jason to run the race, which is also a fundraiser for Derby County Community Trust.

He will take part alongside staff and trustees from Enthusiasm Trust, including its chief executive April Allman.

Sir Jason made Olympic history in the Izu Velodrome in 2021 as he retained his keirin crown and cemented his spot as Team GB’s most decorated Olympian of all time.

The win made him the holder of most Olympic gold medals (seven) and medals (nine) for a British athlete. His wife, Laura Kenny, holds the same records on the female side.

Enthusiasm Trust provides clubs, workshops, school holiday activities, homework support and one-to-one mentoring programmes.

It supports children who are primarily drawn from Osmaston, Allenton and Alvaston with smaller numbers from Chellaston, Sinfin and Shelton Lock.

They are usually aged between 11 and 18 years old and are often referred to the centre by schools, police and other agencies if they are deemed to be at risk of exclusion, offending or anti-social behaviour, including the influence of negative peer groups and gangs.

All the work carried out at Enthusiasm, from dance clubs to cookery classes, is designed to build self-esteem and confidence and raise aspirations individually and in the community.

Mentors work with young people to help them change behaviour and interventions around choices and consequences, health and anger management, conflict resolution and drug and alcohol awareness.

April said: “I’m not sure whether we are intimidated or thrilled to have Sir Jason join our team, but he will definitely be the fastest and fittest Enthusiasm runner.

“I think once anyone sees the work that the team here at Enthusiasm undertake it’s hard not to get involved. Some of the children we support come from very difficult backgrounds and have complex needs.

“We just need people to sponsor us now and every penny pledged will be spent providing activities for young people, showing them that there is a different path and creating opportunities for them to grow and flourish.”

To sponsor Enthusiasm Trust visit https://www.justgiving.com/enthusiasm .