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Triathlon fundraising: A wonderful but strange experience
02 August 2010
Triathlons are the ultimate endurance event - with participants swimming, cycling and running distances that would each be a highly respectable achievement on their own. The Foundation is lucky enough to have a team of super-fit triathletes, pushing the boundaries of their physical fitness to raise funds to help people with brain and spine conditions. But what is the attraction of taking part in such an extreme event?Back in June, fundraiser James Vickers said that July 2010 would be "a very tiring month", as he set out to take part in a "cylosportive" along the route of the Tour de France AND an Ironman Triathlon - in which he would complete a monster 3.8km swim, 180km bike and then run a marathon.
In the blood
"My father ran the first London Marathon and the subsequent 12 so I guess endurance is in the blood," says James - whose two brothers have also completed triathlons. Perhaps some people just have a genetic inclination towards such feats of fitness.
But how does he feel now that it's all over - would he do it again? "On reflection [it was] a wonderful but strange experience that I’m in no hurry to repeat," he says.
Clacton Triathlon
James isn't the only triathlete raising funds for the Foundation. Inspired by friends with various brain and spine conditions, the Clacton Triathlon has raised funds exclusively for the Brain and Spine Foundation since its inception in 1999 and this year, 2010, it is hoped that the total funds raised will reach £50,000.
For John Kedge, the event's founder and organiser, motivation comes from friends and family who have experienced neurological problems.
"It is for our web editor, who is quadriplegic, and our friends and associates in Clacton on Sea who have endured subarachnoid haemorrhage, strokes and spine cancer, some fatal, that we are motivated for the Clacton Triathlon," he explains.
The Clacton Triathlon will take place on the 25th and 26th September and it's not too late to take part - whether you are motivated by friends or family, or just inspired to take on a challenge!
Fundraising: it doesn't have to be extreme
Would you like to raise funds for us? It doesn't have to be quite as extreme as a triathlon! In fact you don't even have to put on your trainers or don a swimming costume - and just £50 could make all the difference to us.
- Or if you are feeling energetic, find out what sporting events you could take part in.
