A Marathon Account of Fundraising

A veteran runner, Midshire’s Sales and Leasing Co-ordinator Sarah Powell is on track for a personal best in one of the UK’s most difficult competitive races, the London Marathon 2018.

When interviewed about her participation, here is what Sarah had to say:

1.    So, with all the races that take place in the UK each year, why the London Marathon?

“Well I’ve always wanted to do a Marathon, I wanted to do the biggest and most famous, as it will likely be the only one I ever do!”

2.    Totaling an official distance of over 42 kilometres, the London Marathon is no mean feat, how have you managed to juggle the mania of family life and still get in gear for the run?

“I’ve been a keen runner since I was about 16 years old, I’m always training for something! I usually get up at 5.30am every day and run between 5-10km, giving me enough time to get back and ready in time for the school run!

“At weekends I try to do at least one longer run of at least 15km, though this will definitely have to increase, I’ll need to be running around 45-50km per week in preparation for London!”

3.    That is some serious commitment to running! Have you ever entered any competitive races or events before?

“I’ve entered a lot of events before, I’m forcing my husband Chris (Finance Director at Midshire) to get involved too these days! The greatest distance I ran was the Birmingham Half Marathon last year. I’ve also finished ‘The Beast’ a few times – a very muddy cross-country race around a horse jumping course!

“I also cycled twice around Skegness from Leicester, which is around 100 miles, and did a triathlon another year which involved swimming in a lake full of very big fish that kept touching my feet! This will be my first ever Marathon.”

4.    Participants raise money for some great causes each year, including Alzheimer’s and Cancer Research, often to commemorate a loved one that has passed away. Who are you raising money for this time around?

“I’m running for LOROS, a wonderful charity that provide palliative care for patients in Leicestershire and Rutland. They have a very close relationship with the hospital I used to work for as a Cardiac Radiographer, Glenfield in Leicester.

“They were always absolutely brilliant, very caring, professional and have guided many people and their families through extremely tough times.”

5.    Lastly, and most importantly, how do you think you’ll do?

“Well everyone at work, particularly Chris, has really rallied around me, the extra support really spurs you on, so I’m hoping to get a sub 4-hour time, I’ll be more than happy with 3 hours 59 minutes!”

The London Marathon will see Sarah dash around the Thames on the 22nd April 2018. Dig deep and check out her Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/thesistersofdisco