Durham University is a long term key partner of the Durham City Run Festival. This year, as always, staff and students from the university have been involved during the build up to the festival, and several will be donning their running shoes to take part in the 5K and 10K. Two of them, Katie Taylor and Mark Tallentire took time out of their preparations to meet event founder Steve Cram and double Olympic champion Daley Thompson, for some last minute tips and inspiration. Katie and Mark shared their stories about what has driven them to run, and to take part in the Durham City Run Festival.
Katie Taylor is alumni and supporter engagement officer (events) and this is her story” “When I was younger, I was a natural runner and I excelled at cross country at school but lost interest during my teenage years. Whilst working for Durham University Sport at Maiden Castle I started getting into fitness again and would spend my lunch times at the gym or running around the beautiful facilities. Although I have now moved to the Development and Alumni Relations Office, my love of fitness continues. I am a keen gym-goer and do yoga and pilates as well. I add a run to my programme two-three times a week, usually at lunch times, or while my child is at music lessons rather than sitting in the car. I find that running is a great way to connect with nature, keep fit, and it’s amazing for promoting positive mental health and alleviating stress.
“Later this year, I am going to climb the Yorkshire three peaks, for the charity If You Care Share to raise money for suicide prevention. When the opportunity arose to participate in Durham City Run, I saw it as a great way to increase my fitness for this challenge (and more generally), as well as having fun. I rarely run in Durham City itself, as I’m usually in the countryside around Durham, so it will be nice to run in a new environment.”
Mark Tallentire is senior communications and engagement manager and this is his story: “I used to run quite a bit in my 20s, including the 2009 London Marathon. Due to injuries in recent years I’ve done more cycling than running. But I wanted to raise money for and awareness of the PSP Association (progressive supranuclear palsy), which helped me and my family as we cared for my dad, Peter, who died earlier this year aged 76, following a long and painful battle with PSP.
“My aim is to complete the 10K without getting injured (!) and support the PSP Association as much as possible. I’m grateful to Durham University colleagues who are joining the team and running for the same cause.”
Mark has set up a fundraising page and donations can be made at https://www.justgiving.com/team/team-advancement-durham-university.