St Edmund's Parish Church, Roundhay, Leeds

Articles - Miscellaneous

GREAT NORTH RUN 2002

If anyone had told me 14 months ago that I would have completed a half marathon I would have told them that they were mad!!! but I have just completed, probably the biggest challenge of my life - The Great North Run. It all started after last year’s race. Two of our Cubs did the Junior 5km race which is held on the day prior to the Great North Run and Paul Ellis (Akela Blue Pack), a keen runner and a couple of Dads completed the half marathon. It got me thinking that perhaps we could get a team together and raise funds for the Scout Jamboree trip to Thailand. I also needed to do some exercise, so here was my chance to combine the two together.

I purchased a pair of running shoes and running gear so there was no excuse. When I found out that Rachel was planning to do the boundary run we started training together. It was encouraging to have company and an incentive to keep on going. It wasn't all plain sailing. Several times I felt that I had undertaken too big a challenge, but I was determined and kept on going. I was so glad that I had persevered - Sunday 6th October was such a fantastic and memorable day. I was one of 47,000 taking part in the run from Newcastle to South Shields. After a mass warm-up the race began. The atmosphere was wonderful - there were people of all abilities and it was very reassuring when I was passing some of them. Bands played at mile intervals and the locals lined the whole route cheering and clapping. It was very uplifting and encouraging. The Red Arrows gave a spectacular display as I neared the finishing line. It was a truly wonderful day.

I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and encouragement and to everybody who has sponsored our team - Paul Ellis, Alun Davies, Paul Gibson, Rob May & Gill Malpas. (A final total will be available when all the money has been collected in.) Anyone game to join me at next year’s event? IF I CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU !!!!!!!

Gill Malpas (St Eds Jamboree Joggers)

1 November, 2002