AN annual 5km run over the Clent Hills is raising money to support the children of the village special school.

This year, Halesowen-based Cobra Running and Triathlon Club will donate the proceeds of its Mark Perry Memorial 5km to Sunfield, a residential special school for children with complex needs including autism.

The yearly run is named in honour of a late member who died in a tragic accident after a night out in 2009.

Paul Connor, club member and friend of the late Mark Perry, said: “Mark was an inspirational runner who raced from 5km to 100 miles and then went looking for bigger challenges.

“He left a loving family behind including his wife Emma, daughters Megan and Molly and son George.

“Our run is a testing course over the Clent Hills, an area where we regularly train.”

Georgina Forrest, Sunfield’s partnership development manager said: “It’s fantastic that Cobra have chosen to support our children and young people who live and learn literally down the road from the route of the run.

“The event will no doubt help to raise awareness and funds for our cause.”

Taking place on Sunday, September 27, the circular race starts at 11am from The Hill Tavern Pub, in Adam’s Hill, Clent.

The pub will provide a base for both the start and finish of the race and will be serving refreshments throughout the day.

For more information, or to register for the race – which has a £6 entry fee, visit www.cobrarc.co.uk