Determined pals are pulling on their running shoes and taking part in a unique mountain challenge.
Colin Woodgate and Kieren Hart have signed up for the Liechtenstein Alpine Marathon to show their support for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The pair are flying out in June and will run almost the entire length of the country, from Berdern and through capital Vaduz to the scenic resort of Malbun.
Along the way they will face significant elevation gain, starting low and climbing high, while enjoying stunning views of the Alps.
“I’m the kind of person who likes pushing himself to the limit,” said Colin, a builder from Ipswich.
“I’ve never done a marathon before – until recently I’d only done a couple a half-marathons – but there was something about this event that really appealed.
“I was keen to do something a bit different and love travelling. After going to Liechtenstein I’ll have been to all six European microstates, along with Andorra, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City.
“I’ve also set myself a challenge of visiting 40 countries before turning 40 in 2027, and Liechtenstein will be my 35th.
“There are a few nerves, of course, and I don’t really know what to expect until I get there.
“However, training is going well, and we had our first mountain running experience in November, managing ten miles up and down Snowdon’s Llanberis Path.
“We’re going back next month, and we’ve also entered the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge, which is just four weeks before we go to Liechtenstein.
“It’ll be perfect for our training as we’re doing the 34km stretch from Corfe Castle to Weymouth, which has 1,110m of elevation.”
Colin and Kieren have known each other for years, but their friendship grew after embarking on their respective running journeys in late 2024.
The pair are members of a social running group called the Harmonious Society – a community-focused wellness and lifestyle brand, founded by ex-Ipswich Town footballers Luke Chambers and Emyr Huws.
“Things changed within the first couple of months, and I was constantly feeling inspired by everyone in the group,” said Colin.
“Kieren and I decided the next step would be to book up a marathon because that would help motivate us both.
“He was recovering from a double hernia operation at the time, so would have something to focus on, and I knew it would encourage me to keep making progress. That’s when we decided on Liechtenstein.
“Things fell into place from there, and I’m sure it’s going to be amazing experience with some stunning scenery. There are lots of castles, and, from what I’ve seen, it’s going to have a real Sound of Music feel.”
Colin, who has three daughters, also has a personal reason for supporting EACH.
Fourteen years ago this month, he and wife Kerry lost their second child, Kai, following complications at birth, and the couple received bereavement support at The Treehouse.
“They were there for us immediately,” said Colin.
“Two ladies came to visit us in hospital, and even though it was an incredibly difficult time, the support we received helped us come to terms with our grief.
“Even though our son had passed, we were able to take him to the hospice and create some beautiful memories.
“We were given a memory box to keep very special items, including a clay footprint that my wife later had tattooed on her body.
“We were also given time, help and support so we could focus on funeral arrangements, and we continued to be invited to activity days, which helped with our grieving.
“Soon after, we organised a charity day to help raise funds for other families, and we’ve continued to support them ever since.
“EACH was a safety net during a very difficult time in our lives, and now we want to give back a little more.”
To show your support and sponsor Colin and Kieren, head here.
