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Hills Road community takes to the streets on annual Fun Run, HR 4.5

The HR4.5 Fun Run is a highlight of Eco Week, an annual programme of sustainability action and fundraising for Year 12 students.

Published on 17/04/2026

On Wednesday 15 April, torrential rain cleared just in time for blue skies as students and staff from Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge took to the streets for their annual fun run.

Students and staff ran a marshalled 4.5km route in the local area, combining local streets with green spaces, including a stretch alongside Hobson’s Brook.

Arguably the highlight of the College’s Eco Week programme, HR4.5 once again saw wide participation, with many wearing event t-shirts featuring this year’s winning logo, designed by student Jessica Gillingham, while others embraced fancy dress or used the run to raise awareness for environmental causes.

[Pictured left: Vice Principal/Incoming Principal Delegate Ali Kirkman with Principal Jo Trump, dressed in the spirit of the event!]

This year, students voted to support Just One Tree, with proceeds contributing to global reforestation projects. Each £1 raised funds the planting of one tree in Kenya, with the College aiming to plant 3,000 trees through the initiative.

The fastest 100 participants also received sustainable medals designed as plant-able “tree tokens”, which can grow into wildflowers and support local biodiversity.

A staggered start allowed runners and walkers of all abilities to take part – although many chose wacky modes of transport, with space hoppers and three-legged racers also in the mix.

[Pictured right: Some students added to the challenge by racing in a hand-holding chain!]

The popular event forms part of the wider College Eco Week. An annual fixture of the Year 12 curriculum, Eco Week is a programme of sustainability action and fundraising, which includes talks, activities and student-led initiatives. This year’s activities are supported by local sponsors DB Broadcast and The Welding Institute (TWI), whose contributions help make events like HR4.5 possible.

Since its introduction in 2007, HR4.5 has raised over £120,000 for charitable causes. The total raised for 2026 will be announced shortly.

A highlight in the College calendar

Eco Week at Hills Road