A WOKINGHAM fitness trainer has been helping a 70 year old prepare for his first half marathon.
The trainer Stuart Ratcliff will also be running a marathon himself in April, to raise funds for Arts4Wokingham.
Dr Steve Tanner, 70, had no running experience when he met Stuart.
Mr Ratcliff said: “When Steve first joined my Energie Fitness running club he could barely sprint 500m without stopping.
“Now he can run 21,000m.
“He’s so dedicated, and living proof that it’s never too late to begin.”
Dr Tanner will take part in Wokingham’s Half Marathon, on Sunday, joined by Mr Ratcliff.
“I’ll be running at Steve’s pace, and keeping him motivated,” the trainer said.
“He will get through it, and afterwards we’ll go out for a pint together.”
Then on April 7, Mr Ratcliff will tackle the Brighton Marathon, with his partner, Anne Reece, to raise money for Arts4Wokingham.
The charity plans to install a significant contemporary artwork to benefit residents and borough visitors for generations.
“They want to create permanent art in Wokingham for the whole community,” said Mr Ratcliff.
“I love that, and the fact that the installation is a bit different.”
Arts4Wokingham’s planned piece of public art is called, The Arc.
A series of intricately engraved arches, it will be located at Wokingham’s Carnival Hub, where it will shed light on the thoughts and reflections of local people.
It was designed by artist Nicola Anthony, a sculptor whose work is commissioned by museums, collections, communities and celebrities globally.
Paddy Haycocks, Arts4Wokingham’s Communications officer, said: “We’re thrilled that the community is getting behind this exciting project, and grateful to Stuart and Anne for their marathon fundraising effort in Brighton.
“The Arc is such a lovely piece of artwork.
“It will be engraved with words that express people’s love for the borough, drawn from workshops that Nicola, held with locals.
“There are lights on it, and an App linked to it, to engage viewers.
“It’s going to be a really significant landmark in the town, for everyone to enjoy.
“Fundraisers like Stuart’s run are critical to bring in the donations we need to make it happen.
“No public money is being spent to get it completed, only grants, sponsorship and donations, so we’re very keen to hear from individuals, as well as corporate businesses willing to help us.
“Anyone who gives more than £200 will have their name displayed,as a significant supporter.
“They’ll ‘ll be able to come with their grandchildren one day and say, ‘I helped to make this happen.”
The Brighton fundraiser will be Mr Ratcliff’s first marathon.
“I’ve done loads of half marathons before, but this will be my first big one,” he said.
“Of course, you never feel like it beforehand, but it’s a great feeling when you accomplish a run.”
Mr Ratcliff, whose personal training is called, Exercise In Mind, says that running is not only good for physical fitness.
“It releases lots of natural endorphins, and it’s good for mental wellbeing,” he explained.
“You’re never too old to start, so I’d say, just get out there, give yourself a target, and get going.”
To support Mr Ratcliff’s Brigthon fundraising run, visit: www.justgiving.com and search for campaigns/theartofrunning.
For more information, visit: www.arts4wokingham.com, www.energiefitness.com, www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.ukand www.wokinghamhalfmarathon.com
