A hardy team of 23 brave athletes took on the gruelling 26.2 mile route of the world famous Virgin Money London Marathon yesterday (Sunday 22 April) in support of young people at YMCA, raising a fantastic £44,118.30.
After months of enduring tough training regimes, our incredible runners – who came from 10 different YMCAs from as far afield as Neath, Norfolk and Ripon – pulled on their trainers, limbered up and ran through the city’s streets to triumphantly cross the finish line.
Team YMCA runner Gemma Umpleby, who is splitting her fundraising with YMCA Ripon, said: “Running was an amazing experience. I’m really proud to have done it, especially to be able to tell my girls that I have finished! Showing them that it’s about what your body can do and not about what they look like.”
Sign up for a once in a lifetime challenge and raise funds for YMCA
If you or anyone at your YMCA is inspired by this year’s courageous champions and would like to conquer 2019’s London Marathon, email Eve Chadha.
Alternatively, if you missed out on a place at the Great North Run – the world’s largest half marathon – YMCA North Tyneside is offering YMCAs across the country a chance to partner up and share the money raised. Taking place on Sunday 9 September, all runners will receive running vests, training plans and more. Get in touch with Eliza Lawson for further information.