20.11.08 | Charity, Running and Jelly Babies!

After months of training the time finally came for two of our employees to put themselves to the test, mentally and physically. Running in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, Emma Webster, Health and Safety Officer raised £656 for Youthnet and Darren Boyce, Engineering Manager, competing in the Great South Run raised over £1000 for Leukemia Research.

Emma’s sixteen week training programme saw her training three to four times a week, often with her partner accompanying her on his bike. Emma says that although the half marathon was hard work, it was worth the effort: “There was a great atmosphere in the race and it was a real buzz to cross the finish line after running 13.1 miles in 20°c heat! My whole family came up to London to see me run including my six week old twin niece and nephew.”

Emma reveals the secret to her success was to nibble Jelly Babies as she ran, as they were great for giving her a much-needed quick burst of energy! She currently has plans to run in the Fleet half marathon in March 2009.
Darren followed a strict three month training regime, which was complemented by his ongoing training as a martial arts coach, Darren was able to achieve the amazing time of 1 hour 15 minutes. He says: “All my family and friends are very proud of me and were amazed at the time I achieved!”

Darren chose to support the leukemia charity following the loss of his friend and training partner two years ago to the disease. This was his first competitive race and he hopes it will be the first of many. He currently has plans to run the London Marathon and the Great South Run in 2009.