Eight runners completed the Asics Greater Manchester Marathon on Sunday April 19th to raise funds for The Children’s Centre. A total of just under 8,000 runners took part in the race which started and finished near to Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium with a spectacular final stretch along Sir Matt Busby Way.
The Children’s Centre marathoners all finished the full 26.2mile course with six recording personal best times, including two who completed the marathon distance for the first time. The eight runners were 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. They were also joined by David Hodgson who initially feared he would have to drop out due to injury, but decided to run and finished in 4hrs 44mins 36secs.
Finishing times are as follows (PB indicates personal best): Paul Sykes, 2hrs 45mins 52secs (PB); Lee Worsfold, 2hrs 58mins 49secs (PB); David Sims, 3hrs 55mins 35secs (PB); Imelda Quinn, 3hrs 56mins 23secs (PB, first marathon); Richard Torpey, 4hrs 09mins 40secs (PB); Caroline Helks 5hrs 35mins 20secs; Danielle Philbin 5hrs 41mins 02secs (PB, first marathon).
The runners have all benefited from a hassle-free package provided by the charity – including travel, entry fee, accommodation, and training advice – which enabled the runners to concentrate on getting fit for the big day. Their efforts will raise around ?3,500 for The Children’s Centre’s charitable projects which help families and children across the Island. Lisa Motley, Endurance Events Fundraiser at The Children’s Centre, travelled with the group to provide help and support on the day. She commented:
“It was great to see all eight of the runners finishing the marathon – it was a tremendous effort and we’re extremely grateful to them for their efforts, and to everyone who sponsored and supported them.”
Lisa also expressed her gratitude to Michelle Quinn who travelled to Manchester to support her daughters Imelda Quinn and Danielle Philbin.
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 - The Children’s Centre runners who completed the Manchester Marathon are pictured with their medals. Left to right are Caroline Helks, Paul Sykes, Danielle Philbin, Imelda Quinn, David Hodgson, David Sims, Richard Torpey and Lee Worsfold.
