On Sunday 26th September, after months of anticipation and committed training, 36 members of CityCare staff queued up at Victoria Embankment to take part in one of two Robin Hood Marathon events taking place.
This was the first event since 2019 after Covid-19 caused the cancellation of the previous year’s race and the excitement was evident as thousands of runners gathered to take part.
A brave 28 people managed to complete 13.1 miles in the half marathon. The route circles around Nottingham, including a bracing first 3 miles of hill-climbing up towards the castle and twisting about The Park before heading out to Lenton, circling through Wollaton Park then returning to the Embankment to finish. Crowds of well-wishers and volunteers lined the route distributing out water, jelly babies and shouting encouragement.
Eight further members of staff finished the 1.5 miles mini-marathon along the picturesque Victoria Embankment after the half marathon runners had departed.
Multiple teams were represented, including substantial delegations from Palliative Care, Procurement, MOSIAC and Speech and Language teams. In addition, our chief executive Lou Bainbridge also completed the half marathon course. Lou and others were proudly sporting CityCare running tops, kindly designed and supplied free of charge by Pete her husband, who was also running on the day. A stock of shirts is still available in a variety of sizes for any members of staff who would like them.
As part of the Evening Post running challenge, participants competed against other organisations across the area, including Nottingham University Hospitals for a chance to win prizes. Runners had access to the Corporate Running tent with massages and after race pasta, as well as exclusive and comparatively luxurious toilets! Participants also received a Robin Hood Marathon corporate challenge running t-shirt and a medal to commemorate their fantastic achievements.
Peter Gray from the MOSIAC team, who completed the course in an amazing time of 01:43:17 said, “It was brilliant and being able to chill out in the corporate tent afterwards with lunch and a massage was great. Hopefully, it can be an annual event.”
If you’ve been inspired by this feat of athleticism and commitment, why not consider coming along to a no-pressure laid back run with DOrunning? Founded by Robin Hood marathon community ambassador and CityCare staff member Des Oldham, DOrunning is a laidback running club with a focus on inclusivity and wellbeing as well as giving back to the community.
A big thank you to everyone who took part or showed up to encourage others. An excellent time was had and lots of money was raised for good causes. We’ll hopefully see you next year!
Date published: 28 September 2021
