Last updated 12:26, Thursday, 30 October 2008

IT’S BEEN over a week now - and my body still feels a little stiff here and there - but I will always treasure the experience of taking part in the Great Cumbrian Run for the first time.

I completed all 13.1 miles of the race in Carlisle, having “power walked” most of the way. I was the last to finish with a time of 4 hours, 41 minutes, but my aim was always to finish the course - anything else was a bonus.

The hardest parts were the hill that leads up to Cumwhinton and the seemingly never-ending straight road between Wetheral and Botcherby (made even longer by the strong wind blowing towards me).

But on the whole, I thought the course was well organised and very challenging - credit must go to race director Mike James for that.

There are a number of people that I wish to thank - the said Mr James, the race marshals, the ambulance crew that trailed me for the last two miles and Ken Taylor, Border Harriers secretary, who congratulated me at the finish and also gave me helpful advice for next year.

But, above all, I am fundamentally grateful to everyone who has sponsored me, particularly my family, friends, colleagues at RPA Workington and the PCS union.

At the time of writing, I have raised more than £500 for Cancer Research UK (this will be more with Gift Aid).

I know my sister, Terena Jane (whom I lost to cancer in 1996 at just 20), would have been proud - she was a sister in a million and I still miss her to this day.

I dedicate my race to both her and my uncle, Tony, who is in remission having battled cancer himself.

I have reached the grand final of Countdown, presented live shows on community radio, faced Anne Robinson on The Weakest Link and sang to a live outdoor crowd in a talent show final, but finishing the Great Cumbrian Run and raising a great amount for charity has eclipsed all that - it is my proudest achievement.

Next year, I hope to go under four hours and raise £1,000 for charity.

JOHN HASTINGS
Mossbay Road
Workington