Athens Marathon
Sunday 12th November 2023
Athens Marathon
Hello friend,
Thank you for taking the time to visit our page. Charlie, Rob and Alex have rather foolishly chosen to run the Athens Marathon in November in what can only be described as a brazen act of hubris and a colossal underestimation of just quite how far 26.2 miles is. To make the most of this quarter-life crisis, we are hoping to raise some money and awareness for a few charities that are close to our hearts - you can read more about that from each of us below. Any donations, messages of support, or massage vouchers mean a great deal and will be greatly appreciated. I've included some fun facts about the marathon at the end for anyone who manages to make it that far.
Rob:
Somebody once said to me that running is fun when you’re in the zone, I can confirm that they’ve lied to me and it’s awful. However I will be running the marathon in aid of the MS Society.
Multiple sclerosis cannot be cured, but medicines and other treatments can help ease some of the symptoms.
Multiple sclerosis is caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking the brain and nerves and it's unclear as to why this happens.
My reason for supporting The MS (Multiple Sclerosis) society, like others, is the impact it has had on my family. My Aunt was diagnosed with MS when I was too young to understand, but with the support of her friends, family and amazing care staff she was always well looked after. I can only hope that the money I raise helps towards a more promising future where MS doesn’t take our loved ones away from us. Thank you.
https://www.mssociety.org.uk/what-we-do
Charlie:
I've always wanted to go to Greece but I have never had the chance! Given that Greece is one of the most historic and significant places in the western world it does feel appropriate to do something historically and significantly stupid, right?!? That is where this marathon comes in. I knew nothing about the geography of Athens when we signed up for this. It turns out it is really, really hilly, not ideal for a first time marathon runner. I blame Alex for not pointing this out. He has a Classics degree after all. In all honesty, this run will give me the chance to experience the beauty of Athens, with 2 of my best friends in the world. I'm sure the blisters and cramps will be worth that.
I have decided to nominate Anthony Nolan as my chosen charity for this adventure. Anthony Nolan is a fantastic charity which facilitates and connects patients to stem cell donors for potentially life saving transplants as well as helping fund research into blood cancers and other blood conditions. It's a cause close to my heart and any donations (or registrations to their donor list!) would be greatly appreciated. I've included a link to the charity's website below for more information!
"To infinity and beyond" Lightyear, Buzz. 1995
Alex:
In the words of Scoobert Doo: "Ruh Roh". Changes Bristol is my charity as I'm a big fan of the work they do supporting mental health in the local community. Changes is a support organization for those in mental distress, offering services like weekly meetings, a befriending service, volunteering opportunities, and bespoke mental health training. Their aim is to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and raise mental health awareness. I have been on both sides of the mental health conversation and being able to talk about it always so helpful, particularly when it can allow you to get out the house, regularly meet people face to face, and feel able to support others in doing the same thing.
Prior to signing up for this marathon, I'd done one 5k in my life and actively despised anyone who liked exercise. I still despise them, but now I also follow them on Strava. I would very much appreciate any support you can give, financial or emotional, because the thought of cutting my own feet off to get out of this grows stronger with every passing week.
You can find out more here: https://changesbristol.org.uk/about-us-2/what-we-do/
Some facts about the OG Marathon:
- We run from Marathon to Athens, following the same route run by Pheidippides after the Greek victory over the Persians in 490BCE.
- Pheidippides was a professional runner and messenger
- This killed him
- We are not professional runners
- Wikipedia defines the Classic Athenian Marathon as "perhaps the most difficult major marathon race" which is very encouraging
- It also says the course "is uphill from the 10 km mark to the 31 km mark" which sounds most enjoyable
Charlie Lamble,
Robert Watson,
Alex Keane.
£2,834.13
+£508.53 Gift Aid
raised of £1,500 target
by 115 supporters
