RUNNING on average three 5ks a week for a year, Warrington-Worldwide Editor Gary Skentelbery completed his marathon challenge to help raise funds to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Warrington Disability Partnership.
The challenge was completed at Victoria Park, scene of many Warrington Parkruns since lockdown restrictions were eased in the summer, as Gary was joined by his daughters Amy and Hannah for the final leg of the journey, cheered on by WDP founder Dave Thompson, his daughter Emma, Chairman John Gartside and inspirational fundraiser Jill Keast Doran, who recently took part in the charity’s Santa Dash.
Gary, who only took up running less than four years ago after being inspired by former English Half Marathon Race Director Rob Griffiths, completed a 100k in a month challenge for St Roccos Hospice last December and took up the new challenge to help stay fit and motivated in what has unfortunately been another challenging year!
The mission was to run the equivalent of 30 half marathons in 2021 to help celebrate 30 years of Warrington Disability Partnership where Ihe has been the longest-serving trustee. It meant running a minimum of 660k in a year!
For comparison his previous Stats from when he first started running in 2018!
2018 110k.
2019 220k
2020 340k
2021 660k
During the year runs have taken place in Cornwall and North Wales, as there was no time to stop, even when on holiday.
Gary said: “it has been an amazing journey and one I didn’t think I was going to complete after picking up a few injuries on the way. But thanks to excellent support from Suzette Pulman from Lymm Osteopathic Practice, who donated her services towards my sponsorship, I’ve been able to get over the line – and am now about to set off on my next challenge in the new year!
“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and sponsored me on this journey. I have met some amazing and inspiring people and would recommend setting a challenge in the New Year to anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. Running is definitely a great way to help your mental health.
“All the sponsorship is greatly appreciated and will help WDP deliver great community services. But I must say a huge thank you to my friend Al Roskell for his most generous donation as I crossed the finish line to help me reach my goal and to my wife Janet and daughters and family for all their support throughout the year.”
So far he has raised his £3k target with funds still coming in. Donations can still be made via the link below.
1 Comment
Well done Gary a fantastic achievement, I’ve cheered you on from Mayor’s Corner for a lot of these in the Warrington parkrun and seen the noticeable improvement in your performances.