A determined fundraiser is bracing himself for the gruelling challenge of three marathons in a year – despite not considering himself a runner.
Mark Chalklen is putting his body to the test to raise funds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). The 38-year-old has signed up for the Cambridge Boundary Run on 12th March and is also taking on the Edinburgh Marathon in May.
He then plans to complete his hat-trick of 26.2-milers later in the autumn – hopefully raising thousands of pounds for EACH.
Mark is no stranger to supporting the charity, having taken part in last year’s 100km London to Brighton event before completing the London Marathon in October.
“Despite that, I’m not naturally a runner,” said the dad of three boys, who is married to Becky and lives in Kesgrave.
“In fact, I’ve always said only an idiot runs a marathon, and the human body isn’t designed to run that distance. That’s still very true, but I must enjoy the challenge.”
Mark has only been running a couple of years, completing his first 5km parkrun in October 2020. Last year’s London Marathon was his first 26.2-miler.
“The London to Brighton event was my first proper run but I only made it to 85km-mark, after around 14 hours on my feet,” he said.
“As ideas go, it was beyond stupid!
“However, I like to push myself and am looking forward to the challenge of running three marathons in 2023, starting with the Cambridge Boundary Run.
“This is likely to be a somewhat challenging, mostly muddy and probably very slow run, given the conditions. Then I’ll look forward to going to Edinburgh in May and my third is still to be decided but will most likely be in September.”
Mark hopes to raise as much as possible for EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex.
He works for Itineris, which supports the charity’s website, and said: “I understand well, but not first hand, the fantastic work EACH does.
“I’m hoping to raise a decent amount and managed to raise £3,500 for the London to Brighton run.”
Ali Butler, EACH Community Fundraiser for Suffolk and East Essex, said: “Three marathons across the year is an enormous challenge and we’re very grateful for Mark’s support.
“The fact he’s taking this on is so inspirational. I love his positive attitude and am sure he’ll feel he’s accomplished something amazing by the end of the year.”
To sponsor Mark, head here.
