Half-Marathon Madness
Anna Gasking is raising money for The Friends of John Blandy School
Participants: Clare Archer, Claire Lake, Anna Gasking and Janet Clarke
Story
We are four keen - but very recreational - runners with children at John Blandy Primary School. The school is expanding which means we have an even greater need for a dedicated school library. We strongly believe that reading is the foundation of all education and a comfortable, well resourced library will provide many benefits to the children of the school. We also need a good reason to reach new fitness goals. What better solution than to raise money by running a half-marathon? Here are our stories.
I always said I wouldn't ask people to sponsor me to do something that I love, then I saw what was involved in organising a summer fete as a fund raiser and realised that challenging myself to run a half marathon had to be a lot easier!
Longest race distance 10k, Claire Lake
Anything is possible with effort and determination - yes, the short lady at the school gate with the terrible leggings can run THAT far! I'm putting in the miles in exchange for cash to get the school library furnished. Reading is the start of everything for children. Please give generously or we'll drag you with us next time!
Longest race distance 10k, Anna Gasking
My mission to be fit by 40 and John Blandy School's mission to get a new library strangely seem to fit quite well together, thanks to a bunch of mums who suggested I join them to raise funds by running a half marathon. Watching my 5 year old start to read these past few months has offered the best motivation for me to break my 5k barrier and attempt 21.1k, I just hope my training progresses as well as his reading?!
Longest race distance 5k, Janet Clarke
My one and only previous half marathon experience was a long and torturous round of injury and missing toenails. I'm not sure how I've been talked into trying again, but I feel strongly that we can do it as a team! We also have the added motivation of helping our children and our school, both of which we love dearly!
Longest race distance, 21.1k (Great North Run), Clare Archer