Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May, dawned cool but dry—perfect weather for the seventh SuperSensory Inclusive Kilometre (SS1K) at Histon Recreation Ground, just north-east of Cambridge. From 11:00 am, the grounds buzzed with anticipation as 80 participants—including six wheelchair users, residents from a local care home, and numerous families—gathered to take part in this unique, heartwarming event.
A Festival of Senses and Smiles
The SS1K isn’t your typical fun run. Instead, it’s a kilometre-long journey designed to delight all five senses, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or ability—can participate and enjoy.
The route featured five imaginative sensory stations, each offering a different experience:
- Smell: A tent filled with curious aromas, not only orchestrated by Annabel Sykes and Jenny, but populated by their imaginative contributions from garden and home. The oils (dabbed on tissues) were particularly interesting
- Sight: A blacked-out gazebo with bubble machines and a funhouse mirror, drawing laughter and awe from children and adults alike, brilliantly supervised by trustees and volunteer Tim Jones.
- Touch: An array of tactile objects, run by the wonderful Lucy Bullen-Smith, whom I met at the excellent Pinpoint conference.
- Hearing: Noisy toy instruments and a jolly playlist, a hit with the youngest participants, hosted by Shona Brading and family and ably assisted by Chris Connor.
- Taste: A favourite, where brave souls sampled everything from sweets to cheese, provided by David and Louise Ellis and run by Steve Shaw.
Community Spirit in Action
The SS1K is a true community effort, brought to life by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors. This year, One Broker sponsored one of the sensory stands, while Cambridge Rotary Club South supported another, ensuring each station was a hive of activity and joy. The event also owes much to the Histon Impington Friends of the Rec, whose behind-the-scenes work kept everything running smoothly.
A Tapestry of Participants
What makes the SS1K so special is its inclusivity. Among the 80 participants were six wheelchair users, and at least a dozen residents from a nearby care home. Families from across the community joined in, some returning for their second or third SS1K, others experiencing the magic for the first time. The event’s motto—“No one left on the bench!” —was on full display, as people of all abilities ran, walked, or wheeled their way around the course, cheered on by volunteers and each other.
Moments to Remember
The SS1K is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a celebration of community, resilience, and the simple joy of moving together. To the volunteers mentioned above we would like to extend our thanks to Rob and Rosie Scott, who came just to help set up; Oliver Johnson and Tristan Martin from the Cambridge University Football Club; Asa Fletcher-Snow and Yusuf Izhac from Fitzwilliam College who helped set up or down or both, or with one of the stations.
Inspired? Then Get Involved!
If you would like to support us in our mission to “embed inclusive sport in the sporting, education and community landscapes” then we would love to hear from you. Would you like to host a SuperSensory1K at your local Fun Run or Park Run? Or would you like to volunteer at our next event? Or could you give to the ongoing work of Power2Inspire. Click the button here to find out more.
All photos used with permission.
