A FITNESS trainer who supported a 70 year runner to complete Wokingham’s half marathon, says he’s proud of their achievement.
Stuart Ratcliff, a coach at Energie Fitness Wokingham supported Dr Steve Tanner to improve his fitness.
With training, he helped him work up from the 500m jog he was at first able to manage, to being able to complete a 13 mile run.
Stuart ran alongside Steve throughout the Wokingham event, to help him keep pace and on track.
“We completed the half marathon within our target time of three hours,” said Stuart.
“Steve did really well in the first half – we were flying along.
“And then, as often happens, the second half was hard going, and we did a bit of walking.
“Steve managed it in two hours and 50 minutes.
“He’s a bit tired, but very pleased.”
Steve can rest up after his half marathon, but things are just hotting up for Stuart.
He will be running in the Brighton Marathon on April 7, with his partner Anne Reece.
They will be raising funds for Arts4Wokingham, a charity campaigning for public art installations for the borough to benefit residents for generations to come.
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.”
Stuart continued: “I’ll get straight into preparing for the marathon with a 15 mile run this week, gradually increasing by two or three miles a week until I’m ready.
“I’m proud of Steve’s half marathon accomplishment – it’s a long way to run, and he made it through.”
For information, and to sponsor Stuart’s run for Arts4Wokingham, visit: www.justgiving.com and search for campaigns/theartofrunning.
For more information, visit: www.arts4wokingham.com, www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk, and www.wokinghamhalfmarathon.com
