Hi. Thanks for visiting our fundraising page.
With the better part of three years having gone by since I last ran a half marathon, I thought it was time to dust off my trainers and hit the road. Rather than attempting some of the more familiar races, I thought I'd give myself a slightly different challenge. Following in the tyre marks of Hunt, Hill and Hamilton, I'll be running 26 miles around two of Britain's most famous motor racing circuits. The challenge begins on 7th February with the Brands Hatch Half Marathon before moving on to the Silverstone Half Marathon on 15th March.
Whilst there is no denying that the two races should help me shift a few pounds, its also an opportunity to raise a few quid for a good cause. So, I'll be running in support of Bassetlaw Hospice, a local charity based in Retford, near our own offices. Bassetlaw Hospice provides specialist support for local people with life limiting illnesses. We know that the economic climate is putting the pinch on all of our pockets, but anything you can spare in helping us to help the Hospice would be really appreciated, no matter how small. We've set a target of £1,000, but we'll be happy with whatever we can raise.
I'm not expecting to break any records or set any personal bests, as long as I achieve something vaguely respectable I'll be happy.
Thanks for your support.
Jim Carley, Managing Director, Carley Consult Ltd
Update: 22nd February 2009
Regretably the Brands Hatch Half Marathon will not be rescheduled this year, given that the earliest available track date is not until December. There are, of course, plenty of other half marathons out there, but we wanted to find a replacement race that fits with the spirit of the Grand Prix challenge, even if not run on a Grand Prix Circuit. I will therefore be running the Humber Bridge Half Marathon on 14th June. The Humber Bridge is the longest single-span suspension bridge in the UK, and fifth longest in the world. The course includes 2,500 meters run over the bridge and back again, 30ft above the River Humber. We may yet add some further races too (as a minimum a 1 mile replacement race for George). More news soon.
Update: 22nd March 2009
It seems that I am destined not to run round a grand prix circuit. With Brands Hatch having fallen foul of February's snow, I missed out on the chance to run at Silverstone last week having developed a very nasty stomach virus the night before the race. Alas, the novelty of a "grand prix challenge" is now lost, but I am still determined to run two half marathons to justify all the fantastic sponsorship that you have pledged. I have, therefore, managed to salvage some level of credibility by bouncing back to run in today's Retford Half Marathon - achieving a time of 1:54:19. With Humber Bridge still to come, the 26 miles will definately be run in full!
Off-line Sponsoring: Thanks to the following who have sponsored us off-line;
Carole & Doug Stuart - £50.00
Paul Griffiths - £52.00
The Fourstar Group - £130.00 (150.00 Euros)
Simon Shimmens - £26.00 (£1 per mile)
Jacquie Cooper - £20.00
