warrington-worldwide publishers Orbit News has teamed up with the Village Hotel and the English Half Marathon (EHM) to find the ultimate local running hero.
To mark the 10th running of the famous half marathon in September, the winner will be crowned as the first ever EHM Run Hero and will win two nights at the Village over EHM weekend AND free entry to future EHMs for life.
And he or she will also feature on a special front page of Warrington Worldwide.
Voting is now open after the judges narrowed the list of entrants down to a top five – each of whom have overcome huge mental and physical challenges to enter the race.
Orbit News Managing Director – and the editor of Warrington Worldwide – Gary Skentelbery, said: “We know we have some truly remarkable people in Warrington and so we knew it was going to be hugely difficult to narrow the list of entrants down to just one winner.
“But I don’t think we expected to receive as many incredible entries as we got from people running the half marathon for such personal and inspiring reasons.
“Fortunately it’s not down to us to pick a winner – that’s why we need to help of the people of Warrington. The final five are all truly deserving of the honour of Run Hero and we can’t wait to see who comes out on top with the public.”
The final five have tackled a range of challenges ahead of the race, which takes place on Sunday, September 16, in Warrington.
So without further ado, it’s our pleasure to introduce them:
Claire Daniels started running while off work with anxiety. She started off doing the couch to 5k programme and says running has helped her cope with her anxiety. She also helps run an online support group called ‘Run Mummy Run’ and encourages other women to run. She wants to show people that you can achieve anything if you believe.
Grace Dronsfield started running at the age of 58. She suffers from treatment resistant depression, ME and osteoarthritis and she has undergone three knee replacement operations. Despite her health issues she has run five 10k races, two 8ks and a half marathon. She wants to prove that you’re never too old to run.
Robyn Harrison was diagnosed with ocular motor appraxia – a condition that affects her eyes – when she was just six months old. Now 17 she’s since suffered from a series of undiagnosed conditions and been told that she probably wouldn’t ever walk. Undeterred, Robyn has now run the Warrington mile and a 10k raising almost £4,000 for the charity ‘Stick n Step.’
Nicola Lingley-Heath was a regular runner but in 2017 suffered the trauma of a detached retina. She underwent surgery but was left with a damaged trigeminal nerve and a lifelong chronic facial pain condition, trigeminal neuropathy. Her condition means training outside is near impossible as wind, cold weather or sunshine can bring on pain attacks.
Ste Hughes injured his spine while in the forces, leaving him with permanent damage and needing a wheelchair. The injury caused a issues with his brain and he’s undergone four operations. Despite the challenges he faces every day, Ste refuses to give in. In April alone he did two marathons, a 50-mile race and a 100-mile challenge.
You can find more information on the final five, as well as cast your vote at https://www.motivrunning.com/uk-english-halfmarathon/ehm-run-hero-2018/
