‘Sites’ set on Half Marathon

A GROUP of runners are setting their ‘sites’ and their fundraising targets high to raise money for Strode Park Foundation.

Eight local people have been selected to run in this year’s London Landmarks Half Marathon on Sunday 1 August.

The race, which is expected to attract more than 14,500 runners takes in some of the most iconic and well-known sites of the city including Big Ben, The Shard, Tower of London, The London Eye and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Liz Melia, of Faversham; Richard Munnings of Herne; Callum Macaskill of Sheerness, Becky Richards and Claire Dante from Medway; Laura Rigden and Clare Hylands from Herne Bay and Tracy Bury, of Bridge near Canterbury will be pounding the streets to take part in the demanding 13.1 mile course around the capital’s streets.

Combined, they hope to raise as much money as they can for Strode Park Foundation, a Kent charity which provides vital care and support services to children, young people and adults with disabilities.

The group are a mix of first-time half marathoners to some who are no stranger to the 13.1 mile race. They are also all  supporting and encouraging each other as they embark on their training programmes for the run.

All of the eight are honoured to be supporting Strode Park and are looking forward to what the day will bring.

Laura and Clare, who have been friends for more than 25 years, said: “Thanks to Strode Park for their continued support, and all they are providing for us, and thanks to everyone who donates to support the charity. Raising money for Strode Park is incredibly humbling and a privilege, my mother-in-law has worked for the charity for many years and supporting such a hardworking local charity makes the event even more special.”

Liz agreed, she added: “Thank you for the opportunity, I love running and this new challenge is exciting, as well as a great way to support a great cause.”

Director of Fundraising and Communications, Karen Jeal, said: “We put a call out for runners earlier in the year and the response was great. We’ve now got our team of eight runners who are going to do us proud on the day. We will be there on Waterloo Bridge to support and cheer them on. We’re so grateful for the support to our runners and their family, friends and colleagues who are all playing a play in helping to raise vital funds for us.”

You can follow the runners’ progress on our social media pages and if you’d like to support them you can do so via www.strodepark.org.uk/donate