KEEN runner Jenny Hibbert was elated when she was the first female home in the 5k race at the Warrington Running Festival but already she is planning her next run – in memory of her late father
Jenny , aquatics support officer at LiveWire, plans to run a half marathon to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK after the disease sadly claimed her father on May 31.
She said: “Health and fitness mean everything to me, and now I want to channel that into helping others through fundraising. This next race will be for my lovely Dad.”
Although she has been running for 30 years, Jenny couldn’t believe it when she was the first female to complete the 5k race in the running festival – completing the race in an impressive 21 minutes and 18 seconds.
She said: “”I couldn’t believe it when I crossed the line and they said, ‘Congratulations to Jenny Hibbert on winning the first female for the Warrington Running Festival 5km.’
“ I was bouncing! I was so happy, and when they put the medal around my neck, it just didn’t seem real.
“Then I won a prize too and was on the podium. It was an incredible moment.”
Jenny, who has been passionate about running for over 30 years, is no stranger to races. She has taken part in a wide range of events, from marathons including London, Lanzarote, and Amsterdam, and countless half marathons across the UK. Over the years, she has raised funds for several charities, including Pancreatic Cancer, Breast Cancer, St Rocco’s Hospice, Cystic Fibrosis, and Children with Leukaemia.
She said: “Running is such a huge passion of mine, and I love the atmosphere and energy of these races.
“My family always comes to watch, even our little dog Nancy! It’s a big part of my life, and I train four to five days a week to stay fit.”
“Health and fitness mean everything to me, and now I want to channel that into helping others through fundraising. This next race will be for my lovely Dad,” Jenny said.
Cllr Tony Higgins, Warrington Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and leisure said: “Warrington Running Festival is a brilliant event that brings our community together, and it’s fantastic to see local people like Jenny achieving such incredible results.
“Her dedication to fitness and her commitment to raising funds for important causes is truly inspiring, and we are proud to have her as part of the LiveWire team.”