It’s events a-go-go with a return of much-loved charity challenges, plus we've got eco swimwear and some truly delicious wellbeing tea

BE YOUR BEST

Famed for being the UK’s fastest selling half marathon – and with a significant route change to boot – the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon will give runners the chance to notch up PBs galore this year.

Taking place on October 17 – and celebrating its 10th anniversary - the flat and fast 13.1 mile run will wend its way through beautiful countryside and thriving city centre streets.

As usual, participants will pass through the grounds of majestic King’s College and Jesus College, however the route has been made faster by incorporating a longer stretch of Chesterton Road, replacing seven previous turns.

The TTP Cambridge Half Marathon raises money for a variety of charities, including Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and Tom’s Trust.

Find out more at cambridgehalfmarathon.com

FIRE STARTERS

Time to enlist five friends and take up the baton as fund-raising race, Chariots of Fire, returns on Sunday, September 19.

Following in the heroic footsteps of Harold Abrahams, a Cambridge runner, who sought to win gold in the 1924 Olympics – as dramatised in iconic film Chariots of Fire - the race sees six runners take on a 1.7-mile course in relay format.

Organised by Hewitsons Charitable Trust, this year’s event will raise money for emergency doctors service, East Anglian Air Ambulance.

Launched in 1992, Chariots of Fire, which sets off from Queen’s Green and passes through Trinity, King’s and Clare Colleges, has raised in excess of £1.48million.

Race entries, costing £150 per team, will close on September 15 or when 380 teams have entered. More at chariots-of-fire.co.uk

THANKS A MILLION

By walking 10,000 steps a day throughout lockdown, 200 big-hearted volunteers have raised an astounding £27,000 for essential frontline care. The determined walkers put their best feet forward on January 11, clocking up the daily miles as part of Arthur Rank Hospice Charity’s Step a Million challenge. By April 20, they’d each smashed their million-step target.

Among the individuals taking part was 86-year-old George Ginn, from Soham, who raised more than £1,000, following the same route every day, donning a high-vis jacket explaining the challenge. The largest team, collecting, £2,000, consisted of 22 colleagues from Meadow Lane Children’s Nursery in St Ives, accumulating their steps during their working day, whilst playing with the children.

The money raised will enable Arthur Rank Hospice to continue to provide outstanding levels of care and support to patients living with life-limiting conditions in Cambridgeshire, as well as those who need end of life care.

Find out about next year’s Million Step challenge at arhc.org.uk

BLENDING IN

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Self-professed ‘tea nerd’ Bethan Thomas – founder of award-winning brand HotTea Mama – has created two new blends to ease symptoms of menstruation and menopause. Bethan, the first non-Chinese person to get a degree in Tea Science from Fujian Agricultural University, launched the innovative business with fellow mum Kate Achilles, initially offering ‘maternitea’ to support women through pregnancy and into motherhood. However, customers asked for products for PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility and menopause, so Bethan began brewing!

Take A Pause Tea is specially blended with natural herbs such as raspberry leaf, ginseng, gingko biloba, liquorice and valerian, to support the body through the tough menopause transition, from perimenopause to post menopause.

Over the Moon Tea can combat premenstrual stress and tension, irregular periods and fertility conditions, blended to soothe cramps, reduce bloating, improve sleep and regulate periods, with ingredients such as chamomile flowers, gingko, spearmint, dandelion root and rose petals.

All teas are wholeleaf, vegan and gluten free, and teabags are biodegradable. Tea-riffic!

£6 for a box of 15 teabags (each teabag can be used twice). More at hotteamama.com

WALK THIS WAY

Explore the beauty of Cambridge on foot, by taking part in a novel alternative to the city’s traditional Bridge the Gap Walk. Launched 20 years ago, the family-friendly fundraiser has seen more than 38,000 walkers stroll through Cambridge’s University Colleges, taking in the perfectly-manicured gardens, and raising more than £570,000 for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

With restrictions still in place, this year’s event can be completed anytime from August 13 to September 10, following a 5-mile self-guided route past familiar historic sights and hidden gems.

Registration is open, and costs £8 per person (under 16s free), which includes a guide booklet, map, a special activity and a link to an event podcast prepared by media partners Cambridge 105 Radio. Proceeds from Bridge the Gap will go to Arthur Rank and Romsey Mill.

Find out more at arhc.org.uk

ISLAND STYLE

The nature and beauty of the Balearics has inspired the latest sustainable collection by Tucca Swim. Founded by sisters Helaina and Chloe Thomas – who spent every childhood holiday in Mallorca – Tucca Swim is characterised by bold prints and sunny hues.

Each item is made in London, using ECONYL, a 100 per cent regenerated nylon fibre, made from fishnets and other nylon waste.

The Cabrera swimsuit, and active bikini top, pictured, pay homage to a magical uninhabited island off the coast of Mallorca, featuring the lush green tone of the land, contrasted with the darker shades of Cabrera’s endangered black lizard. The bikini top is perfect for a spot of beach boules or a paddle board session, its supportive underband suiting low-impact pursuits. Tucca’s range also includes stunning multiway and mix and match bikinis, with reversible style options, making them oh-so-versatile.

Cabrera Active Bikini Top, £75; Cabrera Swimsuit, £115, at tuccaswim.co.uk