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Running the Great North Run for Team Kenya!
We were delighted to have a group of runners take on the Great North Run for Team Kenya! As North East-based charity, we know how important the Great North Run is for the region and we’re always so proud to have people take part in this beloved event to raise funds for Team Kenya.
One of our fantastic runners, Clare Talbot-Jones, has written a fantastic blog explaining why she chose to take part in the Great North Run, why she wanted to support Team Kenya and the impact that the event had on her.
Last year my whole mindset was changed through my journey from not being able to run for longer than thirty seconds to completing a half marathon. It impacted every area of my life, improving my physical and mental health but also teaching me the power of setting aspirational goals and working hard to achieve them.
This year I chose to run the Great North Run for Team Kenya. I’d been particularly aware of the amazing educational opportunities that I have enjoyed throughout my life, which have given me great confidence but which I have often very much taken for granted, I was keen to support women and girls who don’t enjoy these privileges. Without the sustained and committed support of my family and the encouraging communities I’m part of, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve most of the exciting opportunities I’ve had. I was excited to support Team Kenya to support the communities of Ndhiwa to support all of their members to develop an inclusive, educated society that together can break the cycle of poverty.
Having thoroughly enjoyed my preparations last year, I found this year’s training really difficult. Illness, a busy schedule, injuries…all sorts of excuses contributed to running falling lower and lower down my list of priorities. If I hadn’t committed to running for Team Kenya, I would have pulled out of the GNR a long time ago. My biggest achievement wasn’t completing the race with a significant PB, it was getting to the start-line to begin with!
I was truly touched by the support shown by my friends and families, often through sponsorship. Not only does the money raised contribute to the wonderful work of Team Kenya, it also really helped me stay accountable and started many conversations about the struggles and achievements of the girls and women in Ndhiwa.
Compared to the massive obstacles these girls and women face on a day to day basis, the challenge of running a half-marathon for even the most unlikely of athletes pales into insignificance. I was very proud to undertake the challenge in honour of these inspirational ladies.
We are so grateful to Clare and our other incredible runners for raising vital funds for Team Kenya’s work. We hope to have places for the 2020 Great North Run. If you are interested in joining us, please drop us a line at brad@team-kenya.co.uk for more details and to reserve your place.
Photo credit – Crest Photography