Marathon season is here and we celebrate all of you who are facing your ultimate challenges this year!
If you’re inspired to start running, local groups can help to get you started: Royston Runners always welcome new runners and regularly host 0-5k beginners sessions, our local Park Run takes place at Wimpole every Saturday morning, Royston in Blue is back for the summer and local groups Steeple Chasers Running & Cycling, Meridian Tri-Club & Royston Cycling Club always welcome new people along.
Here, we feature a number of local participants along with links to their fundraising pages…
Edward Williams, founder of local swim school Elite Swimming Academy, is preparing for one of the world’s most iconic marathon swims this summer. In July he will take on the 28.5 mile Manhattan 20 Bridges Swim in New York, a full circumnavigation of Manhattan Island through the Hudson, Harlem and East Rivers. Swimming non-wetsuit in traditional trunks, Ed hopes to complete the challenge in around eight to nine hours. The swim will raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where his 11 year old daughter Jasmine received life saving open heart surgery.
Please visit: www.justgiving.com/page/edward-williams-swim
Khandel light charity, based in Barley, works with partners in Rajasthan, and supplies thousands of gallons of water, helps hundreds of children attend school, gives confidence and support to women with girl babies, provides food aid, and more recently set up a Girls’ Parliament. Read more at: www.khandel-light.co.uk
London Marathon is a great fundraiser for them, and they are always so grateful to the wonderful people who train for months in order to run for the charity and raise vital funds. This year their brave runners are: Jack Partridge-Bennewith, Ian Mcclements, and Carlos Sharrock
Please donate via their fundraising pages:
https://fundraising.khandel-light.co.uk/fundraising/jack-partridge-bennewith-london-marathon-2026
https://fundraising.khandel-light.co.uk/fundraising/ians-london-marathon-page
https://fundraising.khandel-light.co.uk/donation/carlos-sharrock
Earlier this year, Hannah Cox who was born in Royston, ran 100 marathons in 100 days across India, a total distance of 4,224km, in a world-first endurance challenge, to raise £1 million for people and the planet. Funds are distributed between 1% for the Planet, Frank Water, ClientEarth and Big Change.
Please visit: https://givestar.io/gs/project-salt-run
Royston Swimming Club supports swimmers of all ages as they train and compete at county and regional level.
Our athletes commit many hours each week developing endurance, technique and the mental resilience needed to perform on race day. As competition and training costs continue to grow, the club is keen to partner with local businesses interested in supporting young athletes through sponsorship and helping strengthen the local sporting community.
To find out more, contact fundraising@roystonswimmingclub.co.uk – www.roystonswimmingclub.co.uk – FB/Insta
