07 Mar 2023 Southgate Raises Funds for Crisis
A team of 5 colleagues from Southgate completed the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday 5th March 2023.
The route started at Midsummer Common on a slightly chilly morning. The forecast was set to snow earlier in the week, moving to rain by the Friday. Fortunately, come race day, the forecast had changed and there was just a chill in the air.
With 15,000 runners taking part, the atmosphere was fantastic. The number of supporters likely doubled that with the roads of Cambridge lined with cheering friends, family and onlookers.
Headline charity partner was Alzheimer’s Research UK with national charity partners Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. Many runners though were also raising funds for charities close to their hearts. At Southgate we selected Crisis UK. Crisis provides vital help so that people can rebuild their lives and are supported out of homelessness for good. At the time of writing this, Southgate are pleased to report that they have raised £780 for Crisis. Donations can still be made until September 2023.
The Southgate runners all had their own targets to complete the course. Matthew Thrower was keen to set himself a new PB and stormed through, completing the run in 1 hour 14 minutes. Matthew runs regularly and competes in events throughout the year, often running 50 – 60 miles a week as part of his regular training. Wayne Askew was confident he’d beat his time from last year following a snapped lace issue at 2 miles, and pipped the 2 hour mark at 1 hour 58 minutes. Darren Smith was looking to complete in close to 2 hours after set backs in training and managed 2 hour 3 minutes. Laura Claxton was determined to complete the course following a delay in training and came over the line at 2 hour 16 minutes. Sarah Valentine was running the Cambridge Half Marathon for the first time and paced with Laura, clocking a time also of 2 hour 16 minutes.
They have been overwhelmed with the support from friends, family and colleagues and the donations for Crisis have been well received. The team are already planning their next charity event.
If you would like to donate to Crisis and support the Southgate runners click here.