Marathon Schedule

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Pete White

Covid-19 is having a devastating effect on our lives and our families and friends. No-one will be untouched by this virus. I want to raise money for those people who do not have a strong voice for themselves, who are silently suffering everyday. Specifically people who have a disability, having treatment or are recovering from illness and are isolated at home, without full support of friends and family or the ability to go to work which provides structure and purpose. We would like to support them with the money raised to make some positive changes to their homes, or buy equipment that is needed to make this very challenging time, that little bit more bearable.

We plan to run a different type of garden marathon on the 6th June 2020. We are going to run 1 mile every hour, on the hour for 26 hours continually.

I have planned a course in my garden and around the house, and will run laps to cover a mile starting at 12pm on Saturday, through the night finishing Sunday 2pm. I estimate it will take me about 15-20mins per mile. I have never run a marathon before, and I am not certain if I can do it either, but I am certainly going to give it my best. You can see my route and supportive daughter here

The inspiration for this type of marathon is from Beau Miles who is an Australian lecturer, filmmaker and adventurer. You can see his marathon here and if you are interested in his other films, check out his website here

Nicki Dowds

When I heard about this challenge, initially I wasn’t enthusiastic about the idea of having to run for 26 miles as I am not a runner. However, one of the things this pandemic has taught me is perspective. Covid 19 has affected everyone in some shape or form and in particular the people who do not have a strong voice. I believe that the task I face running this garden marathon pales in comparison to other people’s daily challenges throughout this time.

I therefore have decided to join the team and do my part in helping raise money to support those who have been affected. Any support given will be greatly appreciated and make the miles that little bit easier.

Richard Jones

*First 10K starts this Friday the 29th*

I feel very privileged to be in a position to exercise and run any kind of distance at this most difficult of times whilst so many continue to suffer in unbelievably difficult circumstances. I had planned to be running a half marathon and 10k over this period but unfortunately these can no longer take place. I would like to put the training that I have done for these events to good use and hopefully use it to contribute something positive to the lives of those people who need it most. To contribute to this excellent cause, I would like to use my hour a day outdoor exercise to run 10km for 10 consecutive days starting on 28th May with the final day to coincide with the end time of those completing the Garden Marathon. I would really appreciate any donation that you could offer to support those that have suffered, are suffering or are recovering as a result of Covid 19.

See my route here

George Cassidy

When I first heard about my boss doing a garden marathon to raise money for the people that have sadly been affected by Covid 19, I thought what an incredible and amazing thing that he was planning to do for such a great cause. Covid 19 has directly affected peoples lives around the world and has brought a lot of pain and suffering to so many people. Everybody knows someone that has been directly affected by this terrible disease. Hopefully the money that is raised from this great fundraiser will help improve the lives of as many people as possible that have suffered from or are currently recovering from Covid 19.

I have also never taken part in a marathon or ever run anywhere near that before. However I am determined to give it my best shot and will give it all that I have got. I would be extremely grateful if you could make any kind of donation for this great cause and together we can make a massive difference to improving the lives of those that have sadly suffered from Covid 19 or those that are currently recovering from it!

For this great cause, I am going to run 10 consecutive days of 10k, starting on the 28th May with the final day coinciding with the end time of those completing the Garden Marathon.

Harriet Cooper

I have witnessed first hand how much pain and suffering this pandemic has brought to so many people - nobody will be unaffected, and many will have to fight battles so much harder than they ever imagined. I want to do something to help those that need it most, at a time that makes already difficult situations even more testing.

For some, just making it through each day at the moment is a personal marathon, and I am in such a privileged position to be able to even attempt this challenge. I'm doing this in the hope that the funds we raise can go some small way towards helping those whose circumstances are far less comfortable than our own.

I've never run a marathon before and I'm not sure I've ever stayed awake for 26 hours either, but I'm going to give this everything I've got, and would hugely appreciate any support you can give!

See my route here

Shilpa Sisodia

Pete started this cause which is also a personal one to me, so I’ve been inspired by my boss to do the same on the same day at the same time.

You can see my route in two stages here.

Chris Spiers

Whilst sat around during Lockdown reading about how my colleagues were completing a charity Garden Marathon, I felt inspired to join them in the 26 mile run.

Having seen and heard all the news stories regarding the Coronavirus that have swept the world these last few months, I decided that would also like to do my part in helping to raise money to support those that have been affected by it.

I have a route planned that will require me to run over 30 laps of my garden every hour, for 26 hours! I’ll be relying on the support of my family for the runs, and am hoping the boys will join me along the way.

Please support us and help us reach our target so that we can help those who have been affected. See my route here

Jamie Bedwell

When my colleagues first told me about the Garden Marathon challenge, I felt very honoured to be asked to be a cheerleader. However, I have always had the attitude of maximising what I am able to do, in order to benefit others, and as distance running is my passion, it feels most appropriate to use my hobby to maximum effect, to help the cause of others. Therefore, I am delighted to help raise money for all who are suffering the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. My garden route is incredibly short, but, the monotony of the route is a small challenge to overcome, compared to the many other people who are facing bigger and more difficult challenges of their own. My own current good health is a blessing, and it is one that we should never, ever take for granted. It will be an honour to complete this challenge alongside my Saltley Academy family.

Pete Weir

I have never got close to running a marathon and this, if completed, will be the nearest I will get to it. Mentioning this project to people, they have said lots of nice things about the qualities we are all going to have to show. Please do take it from me, the people who will benefit from the money you donate have those qualities and so much more in abundance in overcoming situations which make this run seem a doddle. I know we all feel that this is something we have to do and appreciate all the support we can get. If we achieve the target, it will be transformational for the people we want to help.

Mohammed Yusuf

I am blessed to be able to take part in the Great British Garden Marathon and will be doing so this Ramadan whilst fasting in the comfort of our very own Saltley grounds, doing 5k per day and then doing an extra few miles on the last day. Covid 19 has been a difficult time for every single human being, this pandemic has not discriminated nor has it shown any mercy, the young, the elderly, the most vulnerable, every single person has been affected in one way or another. It is at this time that we can unite and stand in solidarity to support one another. I would very much appreciate the support and know all the Saltley staff will donate generously as they always do. Lastly I hope you and your families are all keeping well and remain safe. Thank you once again for your selflessness, compassion and continuous efforts.