With yesterday’s London Marathon over for another year, (Sunday April 21), the gift and greeting card industry is now very much focused on the Cardgains 17.5m Sheffield Round Walk charity challenge on Thursday 27 June – It’s Not Grim Up North – with The Giftware Association’s ceo Sarah Ward, PR and marketing manager Chris Workman and business development manager Alina Masood putting on their walking boots.
“A target of £750 has been set but we are confident we can achieve more with the gift industry’s support,” says the Giftware Association’s Chris. “The final amount raised will be doubled by the British Allied Trades Federation (BATF), so please donate generously.”
Donate via lnkd.in/einrswpR
In keeping with the theme, Cardgains’ managing director Penny Shaw is hoping to raise £35,000 for mental health charity Mind – and is suggesting that walkers can complete the walk twice – achieving 35 miles – that ties in with the buying group’s 35th anniversary this year. Everyone working in the gifts and greeting card industry is invited to take part.
Visit www.cardgains.co.uk
Already in training is Chris Workman, who recently completed the Manchester Marathon earlier this month, his third marathon, but his first for some eight years.
“It was 26.2 miles, heading into the city centre before heading out through Sale, turning round at Altrincham then back to Old Trafford, right next to Manchester United stadium and the Lancashire cricket ground,” explained Chris, a previous London Marathon competitor, who has also taken part in the Birmingham Marathon.
Admits Chris: “I started way too fast and felt comfortable, then started to struggle at mile 16, but I muddled through – lessons learned for next time. The atmosphere, the crowd and the other runners really help you through the tough miles. Fortunately, the Manchester course is fairly flat with only a few little hills in there.”
Chris says that the incentive was to prove to himself that he could do it. “I only picked up running again at the end of last year, having juggled a young family, but this has taught me that it can be done. There have been a few 5am starts here and there which I secretly enjoy.”
Chris managed to get in four months training before the big event. “I started in the dark mornings after Christmas getting in three to four runs a week. I incorporated hill training and track runs which helped my recovery after my loner runs and helped with my stamina.”
Would he do the Manchester Marathon again? “I would, to bring home some of the lessons I learned the first time round, but I would also look at doing any other marathons. For example, I have also been fond of rail running which is off road, and there are a few exciting trail marathons coming up. Plus I might also push myself for an ultra!”
