Tracy's Half Marathon Journey
'The sense of personal achievement when you cross the finish line is wonderful'
Tracy's first ever half marathon for Plan International UK
Tracy has been sponsoring two girls from Uganda since 2003 and after reading their letters about how their lives have been transformed. In her own words she tells us about how she decided to step up and take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon in March 2019 to support children across the world.
I know from the letters I get from the children and from the community updates I receive that Plan is doing an extraordinary job in improving children's lives in challenging circumstances. I decided that I wanted to step up my support of Plan's work by running a half marathon to raise funds to help more children to go to school and to live healthy, happy lives.
Training
“It could have been quite challenging to train alone. However, I was invited to join a Facebook support group for London Landmarks Half Marathon runners and it was brilliant. Everyone shared tips and there was a lovely ethos of 'We're all in this together’ encouragement.”
I would definitely recommend bolstering fundraising efforts with some sort of event.
“I realised about half way through my fundraising efforts that raising funds solely through sponsorship was probably not very realistic. There are so many other good causes competing for people's hard-earned cash."
"So I organised an event: I have an interesting job (I am a zoo educator) and I organised an illustrated talk in the hope that people would come along, enjoy their evening, and donate some money. I did a raffle on the evening, too, and raised an eventual total of almost £200!"
The support from the Plan International UK cheer station was phenomenal and very uplifting.
“The sense of personal achievement when you cross the finish line is wonderful. It feels like you are a member of an exclusive club. And you are supporting such a well-deserving cause! You'll be wearing your Smug Pants for days!”
If Tracy’s half marathon journey has inspired you to dig out those running trainers then join #TeamPlanUK for the Royal Parks Half Marathon this October.
We can't wait to cheer you across the finish line!