TWO UTC Warrington colleagues are taking on HYROX Dublin this Saturday (November 14) to show their students how teamwork and perseverance can help them tackle challenges of their own.
Ben Rane, Head of Behaviour, and Jo Perkins, Head of DT and Architecture, want to share the highs and setbacks of their preparations with the young people they work with, showing how progress comes through consistency, teamwork and continuing when things become difficult.
They will compete in Mixed Doubles on 14 November as ‘Jo knows, Ben hopes’. Jo has completed more than six HYROX races and achieved podium finishes. For Ben, whose background is in hiking and mountains, it will be his first.
Ben said, “We want to show our students that fitness is for everyone, regardless of gender or experience, and that it’s good to try something new. We want our students to learn how to be resilient and learn the benefits of fitness.”
For Ben, taking on new challenges also has a personal meaning. He lost his brother two years ago and is planning ‘12 Challenges, 12 Months, 12 Charities’ in 2027 to honour his memory.
Speaking about those plans, he said, “He’d completed the London Marathon and wanted to take on more challenges. That has stayed with me, and this feels like a way to honour his memory while helping others.”
For now, he is preparing for his first HYROX with Jo’s support, while the students they usually encourage are returning the favour.
“They love that Jo is the experienced one and a lot fitter than me, and they’re particularly looking forward to seeing me struggle in Dublin! There’s been plenty of friendly banter, but lots of encouragement too,” Ben said.
One student they had supported has taken a particular interest in the race and is now keen to help them reach the finish line.
Ben said, “Knowing that our support has made a difference to someone, and that they now want to encourage us, is really special.”
The pair have also planned six weeks of mini-HYROX sessions for 12 Year 11 students at Ace Performance in Warrington, where Ben has done most of his training with support from Adam and Tom.
“It’s a chance for them to get involved themselves and experience the training and teamwork,” Ben said.
Jo invited Ben to race when her usual training partner was unavailable.
“It gave me a goal and a focus to get back into my training,” he said.
Jo has helped him prepare for the eight kilometres of running and eight workout stations that await them in Dublin, where they are aiming to finish in under one hour and 15 minutes.
Ben said, “We’ve managed a few training sessions together, but Jo’s biggest contribution has been sharing her knowledge, helping with technique and giving me plenty of advice on nutrition.”
Alongside the race, they are raising money for mental health through Race for Impact, a partnership between HYROX and High Impact Athletes.
“Working in a school, Jo and I see how mental health difficulties affect young people and our colleagues,” Ben said. “It’s a demanding environment, although a very rewarding one, and supporting mental health is something that matters to us both.”
Race for Impact gives HYROX participants a way to turn their training and race-day effort into support for causes they care about. Racers choose a cause, set a fundraising goal and invite friends, family and colleagues to support them. High Impact Athletes draws on independent research to identify charities that can achieve more with the money raised, connecting personal challenges with work to improve lives around the world.
Ben and Jo have already raised €544.51, exceeding their €500 target, and are encouraging further donations ahead of race day.
They will join more than 1,000 racers signed up to take part through Race for Impact in Dublin, where fundraising has already passed €210,000. Across the global campaign, fundraising has passed €9.6 million, as of 10 November.
Ben said, “Fundraising through Race for Impact gives the race an extra purpose. Alongside the physical challenge, we have an opportunity to support a cause that means something to us and our school community.”
Readers can support ‘Jo knows, Ben hopes’ through Ben and Jo’s fundraising page.
To learn more, visit raceforimpact.com
