A senior editorial colleague is putting on his running shoes to raise money for a cancer charity.
Jon Gripton, Group Deputy Editorial Director, plans to run 60 miles in September for Cancer Research UK having only recently developed the bug for distance running.
Jon, who is based in Plymouth, Devon, explains: “I was always the fastest runner at school. The 100 metres and 200 metres races were no problem. So one day my sports teacher put me in for the Cross Country endurance, and I hated it. Distance running was not for me.
“Wind forward 35 years and I found myself surrounded by people who were passionate about their running so I decided to give it a go.
“I started with the Couch to 5K programme, which over the course of a couple of months easily and gently gets you into jogging 5000m, which I found plenty enough to kick start the morning! And I’m now addicted.
Social opportunity
“I run for 40 minutes, three times a week, occasionally heading out for longer. With no interruptions I can mentally think about my to-do lists, come up with creative solutions to issues, or just enjoy the view.
“And I do the Saturday morning Plymouth Park Run, which is a great social start to the weekend.
“It’s nice to have a purpose. And I’m at the time of life when friends and relatives seem to be battling illnesses and cancers.
“So I’ve signed up to the 60 in September challenge for Cancer Relief UK. I need to run an average of two miles per day every day for the whole month.
“I’m combining it with running the Devon and Cornwall Backyard Ultra as well in September, which will be a new running event format with an unlimited duration. You just keep going until you cannot do any more! I might need a new pair of trainers by September 30!”
To sponsor Jon, go to: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/jons-giving-page-6650