Even though this year’s official Great South Run was cancelled due to severe weather, our determined runners were unstoppable! They laced up and took to their own courses on alternate days, proving that nothing could stand in the way of their dedication to Enable Ability.
Building Integrated Services Ltd (BIS)
Our first team were from Building Integrated Services, who signed up to the Great South Run early this year. Kudos to them, as it wasn’t all plain sailing….
The team took the challenge head on and set out to train hard, especially having the focus to raise funds for Enable Ability. The beginners were helped along the way by the more experienced ones, but every single runner faced a set back with various injuries- with a week or so before the event, they thought one or two of the team may have to pull out! Thankfully, with help from physio’s, chiropractors, sports massages and the fantastic support from friends, family and everyone who made a donation to the charity……the team were ready!
However, the weather for Sunday 20th October wasn’t looking bright…..
Gemina Pake, Marketing Manager (BIS), had spoken to Hollie, our Partnerships & Events Officer in the week leading up to the event after looking at the poor weather forecast. Gemina said,
“The forecast came in and we waited anxiously to hear if the run was on or off. We saw the news on the Saturday that the Great South Run had been cancelled, which was very upsetting. That said, the team rallied together to announce they would run the 10 miles regardless, and the Great BIS Run was confirmed for Saturday 2nd November in Southsea.”
BIS informed us that the weather conditions for the Great BIS Run on 2nd November were perfect…cloudy with a gentle breeze. The team set off from Clarence Pier with a support team to ensure they stayed on route, with signs and markers. With extra supporters to cheer them on at the halfway point on the new coastal path along Eastney road past Milton Common, they headed back to the finish line, where the mini BIS support team were there to cheer and applaud them across. Through sore hips, achy knees and blisters upon blisters, the team sailed in bravely with smiles and delight, having finally finished their 10 mile race pledge.
“It was wonderful for the team to get the chance to finally run together- good team spirit for everyone. We are very proud of them.”
“I am so pleased we’ve done it, I hadn’t expected the run to be quite so busy with other runners, cyclists, pedestrians, buggies and dogs on extendable leads which nearly caused me a disaster but, on the whole it was great fun!”
“The support and donations received gave us the extra boost and determination to complete this 10 mile challenge for Enable Ability!”
Team Connie
The second group of runners who ran their own 10 mile stretch after the cancelled event were Connie, Evie, Sarah, Declan, and Harrison (pictured left to right, below). They ran from Baffins up to Southsea and back, with Evie and Harrison leading.
Connie said,
“The run was cancelled, however, we still wanted to do the 10 miles. We completed a 10 mile run today (on 27th October). The members of the team who aren’t rolling their entry over to next years run have decided to donate the refund to Enable Ability.”
Connie and her team raised a fabulous £375 plus Gift Aid, and the team’s generous offer of donating their refund will take them well over the £400 mark- well done, and thank you Team Connie!
Team Sarah
Sarah and her team also raised funds for Enable Ability for the Great South Run, raising £330 plus Gift Aid! We thank them so much for their fundraising efforts!
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A huge thank you to each of our inspiring runners for their incredible effort, resilience, and heart. Your commitment means the world to us, and the funds you’ve raised will make a real difference to our service users! To everyone who supported our runners along the way- thank you for supporting them and cheering them on!
Enable Ability
