A GOLF professional has completed a gruelling challenge – running 31 half marathons in 31 days!
Upon his appointment as captain of the PGA England and Wales South West, Christian Askins based in Bridgend chose Alzheimer’s Research UK as his charity for the year. He started fundraising in April when he ran the London Marathon but that turned out to be just a warm up!
The real test came in October and November, with the 31 half marathons. This meant starting just just before 5am, long before sunrise. Christian’s inspiration was his grandmother Betty who suffered with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. The decline he witnessed during those years helped drive him in his darkest moments as the 31 days ticked by.
He wasn’t always starting from home, so he ran over a variety of terrains. What’s more, the weather was not kind. There was rain, thunder and hail – all in pitch darkness. After that, it was back to work at Brocastle, giving lessons on the driving range.
He had support from his family and from friends at K2Gym, with many joining him at various stages of his challenge. By day 15 the soreness was kicking in.
Christian said: “People with Alzheimer’s don’t have a choice so I didn’t giving myself one.”
By day 17 while on a family break in north Wales, having already completed his daily half marathon, George, Christian’s five-year-old son, wanted to join in so he set off on a second run of the day with George!
On day 22 the challenge was hitting home, with Christian saying: “Today is hard, I’m finding it difficult, my legs are dead, mentally I’m drained but the thing that’s getting me through, putting it into perspective is it’s two-and-a-bit hours a day for the next 10 days. There are people out there who go through physical or mental pain 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the grand scheme of things, I’m absolutely fine.”
Rest was difficult as he was on his feet coaching 12 hours a day, but eventually day 31 arrived and he appealed for people to join him. He was not disappointed as 53 runners turned out to support him. It hammered down with rain, it was cold, it was dark, his legs were exhausted but spirits were high.
He completed the 406 miles and crossed the finish line with George accompanying him on the final stretch. Then it was back to work at 9am.
Christian thanked everyone at K2Gym for their support, Siobhan, Chris, Ben, Collins and his brother Simon. He also thanked everyone who donated so generously. Christian had long since passed his £3,000 target – and the money raised recently passed £6,500.
His final thanks went to his son George and his “incredibly supportive” wife Amie who is due to give birth to their second child soon. For anyone inspired by Christian’s efforts, his fundraising is still open here.
By Marcus Stead – News Reporter
News, Letters, Sport and advertising are welcomed by the Glamorgan Star – the largest newspaper or magazine in the Vale of Glamorgan. Contact us today here.
- Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
- Season kicks off with two Cup match-ups
- Injury-hit Centurions dig deep for a double win
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Former Barry office building transformed into vital new homes
Prolific thief banned from entering shops in Barry
I’m proud that all parties agreed on children in care plan
Royal Welsh highlights the role of the rural economy
Parent may have to lose job for school run
Double victory for Pencoed cricketers
