The Big Cat Sanctuary today launches ‘Born to Run’, a charity running campaign in partnership with Nice Work that is aimed at raising £120,000 to fund a major new development; The Cheetah Conservation Centre.
Running is synonymous with the world’s fastest land mammal, making Born to Run the perfect fit for the Sanctuary’s latest fundraising push. The initiative offers flexible opportunities for individual runners, community members, and corporate teams across Kent to lace up their trainers and support cheetah conservation.
The flagship event will be The Big Cat Sanctuary 10k & 5k, held on Sunday 23rd May 2027, which will see 300 runners set off on a scenic route starting and finishing at the Sanctuary grounds in Smarden. Designed to bring together local running enthusiasts, families, and corporate teams, the day will feature a cheetah-themed fancy dress challenge, professional chip timing provided by event specialists Nice Work, and free access to the Sanctuary for all participants after the race.
Alongside the flagship 10k & 5k, the campaign features two further fundraising strands that allow runners of all abilities to get involved throughout the year:
Virtual runs (January 2027): A flexible distance challenge held in collaboration where participants can complete from any location, at any pace, and on their own schedule while raising money. Runners can commit to running 10k, 50k, or 100k over the course of the month while raising funds online.
Big Cat Sanctuary staff team runs: A dedicated team of up to 20 staff, supporters, and friends taking on at least 10 regional races across Kent between October 2026 and May 2027, including the Ashford Givaudan 10K, Maidstone Half Marathon, and the London Marathon.
Participants in the Virtual Run and Sanctuary Run will each receive a special Cheetah-themed medal. Those who take part in both runs can combine the two medals to create one composite medal.
Cam Whitnall, Managing Director of The Big Cat Sanctuary and one of the UK’s leading wildlife conservationists said “Cheetahs are famous for their speed, so launching The Big Cat Sanctuary 10k feels like the most natural way to bring people together for this cause. While the May race is our headline event, the entire Born to Run campaign offers opportunities for everyone to get involved, whether you are setting a personal fitness target at home in January, running as a corporate team, or taking on a half marathon”.
Registration is now open. Entry fees are £15 for the virtual challenge and £20 for the flagship Big Cat Sanctuary 10k & 5k in May 2027, with a minimum fundraising target of £250 for each challenge. Local businesses interested in corporate sponsorship opportunities or match-funding employee efforts are also encouraged to get in touch.
To sign up for the virtual race, register via the Nice Work website.
