Chris Penn completed the Liverpool Marathon for Sundowns - and is still here to tell the tale!
Chris Penn is raising money for Sundowns
Story
‘The Long and Winding Road Race’ – Liverpool Marathon 9 October 2011
UPDATE:- I am pleased to announce that I completed the Liverpool Marathon course in a time of 3 hours and 53 minutes, beating the 4 hour target I set myself. I crossed the finishing line exhausted and very emotional! It was a hard slog particularly around 18 to 24 miles when my legs seized up and I got cramp in both legs. All of your kind donations and sponsorship both on-line and off-line, got me through and those of you who were on the course cheering me on really gave me a boost. Your generosity has helped raise over £2000 pounds for the Sundowns Charity, far more than I ever imagined, and the donations are still coming in! You are all amazing and I couldn't have done it without you - THANKS A MILLION - Chris (new photos from the day posted)
In January 2009, my cousin’s twin daughters Holly and Lucy were born prematurely and both were very poorly for the first months of their lives. Lucy’s start in life was particularly tough, being born with Downs, as well as having to overcome a heart condition. Over the last two and a half years she has made amazing progress and continues to do so. She is a real inspiration to us all. Lucy, and her parents Tom and Bev, have already benefited from the help and support of the Sundowns charity and will continue to do so in the years ahead. As one of Lucy’s godparents this seemed the obvious choice and a really worthwhile cause to get behind.
Sundowns do some fantastic work supporting children with Downs syndrome and their families in Wirral. As a small charity they don’t attract the publicity and funding that some of the larger national charities do. The chance to raise some money for such a worthwhile cause has been a great incentive and has certainly spurred me on with my training.
So on Sunday 9 October I will be setting off from Birkenhead Park to run the 26.2 mile course which covers part of the Wirral coastline, goes through the Birkenhead Tunnel, around the Liverpool waterfront up to Sefton Park and finishes in front of the Liver Buildings.
Training seems to be going well, although I received a huge reality check when attempting one of the longer training runs (20 miles) a couple of weeks ago and I am now starting to realise just what I have let myself in for! With only a few weeks to go the pressure is certainly on! I hope to complete the marathon course in just under 4 hours and will let you know how I get on.
Thanks for listening and for your support.
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