Marathon season is here and we celebrate all of you who are facing this ultimate challenge!
If you’re inspired to start running, these local groups can help to get you started: Royston Runners always welcome new runners and regularly host on 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 group Steeple Chasers are hosting a 0-5k programme.
We wish all those taking part in challenges this year the very best wishes. Here, we feature a number of local participants along with links to their fundraising pages.
Caitlin Boughton will be a familiar face to our readers as she’s compiled our What’s On up until very recently, leaving us to start a new career! She’s running her first marathon in London, having taken up running two years ago. She’s since completed over ten half marathons. She’s fundraising in aid of the Meningitis Research Foundation, a charity that she has previously raised £4,000 for through multiple challenges undertaken at University: https://www.justgiving.com/page/caitlin-boughton-london2025
Her partner, Jack Cronin is also running his first marathon, in aid of The Compassionate Friends, a charity that he holds close to his heart, after his older brother suddenly passed away in the summer of 2008. Jack has always promised himself that he’d run a marathon, in memory of Joe:
https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/jack-cronin-74663
Katie Daines lives in Royston and is excited (and a little nervous!) to share that she’ll be running the 2025 London Marathon! It’s going to be an unforgettable challenge, and she’s raising funds for a cause that’s incredibly close to her heart. Luna Animal Rescue have touched so many lives, and she’s determined to help them continue their amazing work. Every mile she runs will be dedicated to this cause, and she would love for you to be part of this journey with her: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/katie-daines82
Royston’s Mr and Mrs Ovary took part in the Cambridge Half Marathon and London Winter 10k recently in preparation for Zurich half, the Great North Run, Great South Run and Sydney Marathon later this year: https://bit.ly/CommunityNewsOCAM
Lou, is taking on the London Marathon alongside siblings, Christian and Flick, and will be completing the marathon in her everyday wheelchair, not a racing chair. Raising money for a new wheelchair and hopefully a power-assist device. This will reduce strain on Lou’s joints, increase her independence, and help Jo take on future challenges. To read more about Jo’s story and raise awareness and support:
www.gofundme.com/f/sponsor-us-in-the-london-marathon-to-adapt-lous-wheelchair
2025 is the 25th Anniversary of Khandel Light being set up in Barley, Hertfordshire. Since then, working with partners in Rajasthan, Khandel Light has supplied thousands of gallons of water, helped hundreds of children attend school, given confidence and support to women with girl babies, provided food aid, and more recently set up a Girls’ Parliament. To read more about what the charity does, and if you would like a tour around Khandel, follow the links to Nirman Sanstha and select ‘Visit Khandel’ from the drop down, visit: www.khandel-light.co.uk
The London Marathon has always been a great fundraiser for Khandel Light, and this year it has particular resonance. To celebrate the anniversary, the Gough family will be out in force! Veteran runner Bridget Gough is running with her sons Will and James. Bridget is turning 70 this year, so let’s give the Gough team all our love and support. https://fundraising.khandel-light.co.uk/fundraising/bridget-will-james-25
Other valiant runners for Khandel Light are Lucy Cornwell, Will Jackson and Xander Jackman – To read more about their stories visit:
https://fundraising.khandel-light.co.uk/hub/khandel-light
” The Khandel light team would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support over the last 25 years.”
If you are inspired to start running, take a look at our local organisations, who can help…Â Â
Save the Date for Royston in Blue 2025 – Plans are underway for this year’s 5k run/walk across Therfield Heath. A provisional date has been set for Sunday 29th June: https://racebest.com/races/5atyx
FREE Couch to 5k with Steeple Chasers Running & Cycling Club – A free 9-week Couch to 5k programme starts on Sat 29th Mar 2.30 – 3.30pm on Saturdays and Thursdays at Steeple Morden Rec. This is a great way to get into running or kickstart your running mojo. Open to all fitness levels. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. If you cannot attend every week, you can still join the programme, advice will be given.
Welcome session & Wk 1 Sat 29th Mar 2.30pm. Wk2 – Wk8 Sat 2.30pm (5th Apr-17th May) / Thurs 5.45pm 10th Apr-22nd May). Graduation run: Wimpole Estate Parkrun Sat 24th May 8.45am.
For more info: steeplechasersrcc@gmail.com | www.holdsport.net/klub/steeple-chasers-running-cycling-club/sider/home
Royston Runners – Celebrating 40 Years! – Royston Runners, a volunteer-led club based at The Heath Sports Club, celebrates 40 years in 2025! Welcoming runners of all abilities, the club offers weekly sessions, including circuit training, club runs, coached sessions, and monthly track training with Meridian Tri Club. New members are always welcome to try a session. With the London Marathon approaching, the club is running a £20 coach service from The Heath to the start line and back. Open to both runners and supporters, seats are filling fast!
To find out more, visit: www.roystonrunners.co.ukÂ
