With more participants than ever before, YMCA East Surrey’s Y2Y North Downs Marathon run/trek was a huge success last weekend.
133 people signed up for the fundraising challenge, which was split into full marathon and half-marathon distances. 40 runners took on the full 26.2 miles from Guildford to the YMCA Sports & Community Centre in Redhill, with 32 walkers following in their footsteps. At Ranmore Common, the halfway point, 21 runners and 40 walkers joined in.
Just over £6,000 has been raised from the event, with Marianne Young taking the top fundraising spot with a notable £799 in sponsorship donations. Marianne was one of the last people to finish the course, battling on bravely with her friend and challenge partner. The second highest fundraiser was Rachael Horn with £766.
All money raised from YMCA East Surrey’s 2024 challenge events will support the charity’s youth housing projects.
Richard Friar was the first marathon runner to cross the line, with work colleague Tim Lawrence finishing his half-marathon run shortly afterwards.
Bilal Tahir came all the way from Sheffield to take part, after finding out about the Y2Y challenge from a flyer which was put on his car last year at another running event. YMCA staff teams from Merstham Pre-School and Princes Road Reception also took part.
Jo Eade, YMCA Community Fundraising Coordinator, says:
“This year’s Y2Y Challenge had such a wonderful feel to it and so many people commented on how friendly everyone was on the way round! We were extremely lucky with the weather and it was a pleasure to see many new faces to the YMCA taking part in their first challenge event, alongside the regular faces.”
“A big thank you to runner David Halliwell for his generous donation, to our volunteer drivers, our wonderful support stop volunteers and our cheerleaders back at the YMCA Sports & Community Centre who welcomed all finishers with smiles, clapping and, of course tea and cake!”
YMCA East Surrey’s next fundraising event will be their annual Fun Run on Sunday 5th May in Reigate’s Priory Park. Details can be found at www.ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk/fun-run/.
