On Sunday 8th September, three members of the Racecourse team headed off to Newcastle to participate in their very first Half Marathon.
The team, comprised of General Manager, Michelle Campbell, Hospitality Co-ordinator, Maddy Clarke and Catering Manager, Sara Martin, all decided in March to complete the Great North Run to raise funds for Spinal Research, a charity with a long-standing relationship with Wetherby Racecourse, who have hosted their annual charity raceday for the past 34 years.
Working at a winter jumping course, the trio are used to being outdoors in fairly harsh weather conditions, and whilst they were all hoping for a better weather day, the rain and chilly temperatures in Newcastle did not phase them too much. They were however not expecting the distance they had to walk before the race to get to the start! They all covered approximately 21 miles on the day, some 8 miles above the course distance of 13 miles.
Michelle said “we would all admit that despite best efforts, we did nowhere near enough training, so we are delighted with our finish times, as we all finished within 20 minutes of each other, between 2hrs 9 minutes and 2 hrs 28 minutes; we are also pleased that we have all come out of it injury free and keen to continue running going forwards. We were so grateful on the day for the spectators that gathered along the route, thousands of people stood for hours in the rain, handing out sweets and drinks and they provided huge motivational support. We chose to run this race as a Racecourse with #TeamSpinal to support the inspirational people we have met over the years, those living with spinal injury, and their families and friends. Amongst these inspirational people, we include former Jockey Graham Lee, who rode around Wetherby many times both as a jump jockey and latterly over our flat course. Graham sustained a life-changing spinal injury following a racing fall in November 2023 and is currently living with paralysis; funding research into a cure provides hope that he may not need to in the future. We are immensely grateful to everyone who has donated to our fundraising via our Just Giving page and to date you have helped to raise over £7,000. This money will make a difference, Thank you all so much”
The team are all back at work and busy preparing for the Opening Meeting of the new jump season on Wednesday 16th October, which will be hosting the usual annual Spinal Research Charity Raceday. The team’s Just Giving Page will remain open until 8th October should anyone wish to donate.
Spinal Research host a marquee within the Paddock Enclosure on Wednesday 16th October, and their guest speaker this year is Nicola Wilson an International Event rider who sustained a career-ending spinal injury following a fall at Badminton in 2022. Nicola has now embarked on a successful new career of coaching and mentoring and is an ambassador for Spinal Research. Following the included luncheon, there will be a charity auction followed by racing for all to enjoy.
Tables are available for larger parties or if you wish to come alone or with a smaller party then you will be seated on one of our shared connections tables.
Please click the link to book or to find out more.
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