Preparation and training has been well underway this past couple of months as Team Locate a Locum get ready to take part in the Belfast City Marathon this May Bank Holiday. This year we are so pleased to announce that we are supporting two Northern Ireland based charities: Tiny Life and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
These charities were nominated by members of our team who have been impacted, or know someone who has received support from these fantastic organisations so we are proud to give back to Tiny Life and the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and show our appreciation through donations and raising awareness.
Please donate what you can ❤
The team have already put in hours and days of training so we’d really appreciate any donations in these last couple of weeks before the Belfast Marathon 2023. You can donate via our JustGiving page here.
Ready, set, go....
We'd also like to introduce some of our marathon runners and to hear how they're getting on with their training.
Runner: Declan Connolly
Job Title: Sales Development Representative What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? Peer pressure What experience do you have running? I've always played sport and been athletic my whole life Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: I listen to music when running which helps eliminate the noise of my breathlessness and the plodding of footsteps! What is the longest distance you've ever run? 15K What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Avonmore protein milk
Runner: Jeanette Haire
Job Title: Healthcare Lead What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? To kick start my wedding dress bod What experience do you have running? I'm keen on fitness and try to do cardio a couple of times per week (However this winter I completely lost my running mojo and feel like I am new to it! Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Breathing- Knowing how to breathe is key to going the distance, that and a good podcast to take your mind off what your doing. What is the longest distance you've ever run? 10K What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Banana
Runner: Stevie McIntyre
Job Title: Head of Marketing What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? Supporting great charities and the challenge of running the whole distance What experience do you have running? I started running in March 2020 (I used to think people who ran were mad) when COVID hit and really caught the bug, since then I have ran nearly 4000km, or so my Strava says. Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Plan your training runs in advance, make sure you properly fuel your body, your brain will tell you to give up before your body does What is the longest distance you've ever run? 35km What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Pre-run: Porridge, banana and a spoonful of biscoff spread. Post Run: Pint of Guinness - to increase iron levels obvs
Runner: Chris English
Job Title: Director of Customer Experience What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? I love running, although don't do it anywhere near enough.! Loved taking part last year, so wanted the challenge and to experience the buzz again this year. What experience do you have running? I generally road run 3/4 times a week. Usually no more than 5k, so looking forward to the longer run. Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Know your pace and run within that. Peaking too early makes it harder in the long run.What is the longest distance you've ever run? 10K What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Banana
Runner: Pennie Curry
Job Title: Recruitment Admin What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? Supporting some local charities and motivation to get active and challenge myself. What experience do you have running? Absolutely no experience at all. The first few weeks were tough, but it has been rewarding to see small improvements in my running. Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Tip for beginners -Its all about mindset. When you feel like you want to stop, just slow down and breath deeply, but don't stop. Each set you take is one step closer to the finish line. Also a good playlist really helps! What is the longest distance you've ever run? 5k What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Pre: Banana. Post: Bacon Sandwich
Runner: Stacey McCann
Job Title: Service Delivery Executive What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? To focus on being more active and enjoy doing something new. What experience do you have running? I'm just new to running, it's been good fun setting goals and being more active during the week. Although running is still challenging for me, I'm really enjoying feeling fulfilled at the end of each run session! Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Go at a good pace and don't start off too fast. Focus on breathing and have some good upbeat music to listen to which definitely makes you feel extra motivated!! What is the longest distance you've ever run? 5k What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Pre run: Banana and a few grapes. Post Run: Peach Greek yoghurt & a custard cream biscuit!
Runner: Richard Hetherington
Job Title: Full Stack Developer What interested you in running the Belfast Marathon 2023? I have just joined Locate a Locum, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet some of my new colleagues. What experience do you have running? I have been running for around 13 years now, I have raced distances from 5k up to Ultra Marathon but I particularly enjoy the ability to go out and explore new places. My favourite place to run would have to the Mourne Mountains. Please share a Top Tip for Fellow Runners: Find people to run with, either go with friends or join a running club, it makes it so much more enjoyable. What is the longest distance you've ever run? My longest run in terms of distance would be 104km (64.6 miles) in a 12 hour challenge race, I have also completed a challenge running 96km (59.6 miles) in the Mournes that took just over 22 hours! What is your favourite pre/post run snack? Pre run snack: bagel with peanut butter and banana. Post Run: chocolate milkshake!