Laureus fund-raisers get Olympic inspiration from Steve Redgrave ahead of Oxford Half Marathon
September 14, 2014
It was a day to remember for a team of Laureus fund-raisers as they were put through their paces by Olympic legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Member Sir Steve Redgrave ahead of next month’s Vitality Oxford Half Marathon.
To add to the excitement of the occasion, the training session took place at one of the most historic sites in British sport – the Oxford University running track at Iffley Road, where Roger Bannister became the first man to run the mile in less than four minutes in May 1954.
Sir Steve, who won five rowing gold medals in consecutive Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000, said: “This is a very special place and it is totally appropriate that we are all here today. We all believe that sport can play a massive part in reaching out to young people who are facing difficult social problems and I told each of the Laureus runners I met what an important thing it is that they are doing.
“Running isn’t my sport, but the mental approach for a long run is very important so I hope I have been able to pass on a few tips. Certainly I applaud each and everyone one of them for supporting the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. I’m happy to help people taking on a challenge, getting fitter and making a difference to children’s lives.”
Pete Ruddy, an estate agent running his first half marathon said: “I’ve learned a lot from Steve Redgrave and picked up some great tips especially for a novice runner like me. It’s great to get the experience of #TeamSportforGood and also to see what Laureus does around the world and how they benefit other people, it’s fantastic. I’ve learned so much today and it has been personally very beneficial and hopefully can help raise money for the charity.”
And Emma Pomfret, a writer from London and a new addition to the #TeamSportforGood said: “I found the training today exceptionally good. There was a lot of constructive information and I liked the talks especially on injury prevention. I don’t usually like training on the track but today great and I thought the coach had a really good mix of pushing us but in an encouraging way, made you want to achieve a bit more.
“It was pretty amazing to see Sir Steve in the flesh and hearing him talk about why Laureus is important for him. He comes across as very genuine about the work he does, the difference he can make and why it is important to raise money for Laureus. All in all it was a really good day!”
The Oxford Half Marathon, on October 12, is part of the Vitality Run Series, sponsored by PruHealth and PruProtect, for which Laureus is the Official Charity Partner.
There are still a few places left in #TeamSportforGood. For more information and to sign up for the Oxford Half Marathon, go to http://www.laureus.com/run. The deadline for entries is September 29.
Funds raised by #TeamSportforGood runners taking part in the Vitality Run Series, which includes six half marathons between now and the end of March, will go towards training 1,000 sports coaches who will work with 100,000 young people across the across the UK, using the power of sport to change their lives.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, whose mission is to use sport as the means to tackle social problems around the world, has raised more than €60 million since 2000 for projects which have improved the lives of millions of young people.
There are six more exciting Vitality Series runs over the next seven months, which competitors can sign up for: Oxford Half Marathon, October 12, 2014; Brighton Half Marathon, February 22, 2015; Bath Half Marathon, March 1, 2015; North London Half Marathon, March 15, 2015; Reading Half Marathon, March 22, 2015; Liverpool Half Marathon, March 29, 2015.
