Seven runners will be raising funds for The Children’s Centre by competing in this Sunday’s [April 19] Asics Greater Manchester Marathon. The race starts and finishes near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium with a spectacular final stretch along Sir Matt Busby Way. A field of 7,000, ranging from charity fundraisers to elite athletes, and a similar number are expected to take up the challenge this time round. It’s one of the UK’s most popular running events and was voted as the ‘Best Marathon’ in the 2014 Running Awards.
Manchester is the flattest marathon course in the UK and regarded as one of the world’s fastest. By raising funds for The Children’s Centre the Isle of Man runners have received the very best advice and support. Lisa Motley, who is Endurance Events Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre and is organising the trip, is an experienced ultra-distance runner and a qualified sports massage therapist. She said:
“Everyone running for The Children’s Centre has benefited from the support and encouragement of our vastly experienced events team. We have provided advice on training, diet, and injury prevention as well as tips on fundraising – so everyone can be sure that they will have had the very best preparation for the marathon. I’ll also be there on the day of the race to help everyone achieve their goals. I wish all of our runners the best of luck, and thank them for all of the hard work and commitment they have shown in taking up this challenge.”
The Children’s Centre runners heading for Manchester are Caroline Helks, aged 54, from Laxey; Imelda Quinn, aged 23, from Maughold; Danielle Philbin, aged 30, from Douglas; Paul Sykes, aged 39, from Port Erin; Richard Torpey, aged 51, from Ballasalla; David Sims, aged 35, from Ramsey; and Lee Worsfold, aged 41, from Douglas.
The runners have all benefited from a hassle-free package provided by the charity – including travel, entry fee, accommodation, and training advice – which has enabled the runners to concentrate on getting fit for the big day. All funds raised go to The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects which help families and children across the Island, so all those who take part will know that their efforts are supporting some great projects which help everyone in the community.
For more details about all of The Children’s Centre’s fundraising events go to http://www.thechildrenscentre.org.im/events/ or contact the fundraising team by phoning 676076 or emailing adventuremann@thechildrenscentre.org.im.
Photo - Happy finishers in the 2014 Asics Greater Manchester Marathon. Photo copyright of Greater Manchester Marathon Limited.
