Team 1909 Lace Up for Peak District Ultra Marathon

After months of gruelling training across tricky terrain and bracing weather, the ten brave staff members who comprise the College’s Team 1909 are preparing for their next challenge, a 100km trek through the Peak District this weekend.

Having taken to trails nearby in Woodhouse Eaves, and as far as Gran Canaria, the team are ready and raring to go, heading to the beautiful Derbyshire countryside to raise money for a variety of important and timely charities.

Team member, Jesse Jackson, who has helped coordinate training for the event shared, “This walk really has required a lot of commitment, but the team have put the work in.

“They wanted to do something different for themselves, to actively take time away from their hectic schedules, and this was a great chance to empower them to do that. The power of walking is profound.”

With empowerment and wellbeing in mind, the team is made up of members of staff from various departments across College, with varying degrees of ability and experience in distance walking. Walkers Jesse, Lisa, Kerie, Corinne, Faye, Michelle, Michael, Jen, Juliet, and Rachael are determined to face the challenge head-on, leaning on each other for motivation, enthusiasm, and camaraderie.

“Most of the team find our training walks to be meditative, a chance to be introspective,” says Jesse. “But when the going gets tough, we rely on each other for that entertainment and support. We talk a lot of rubbish! Sharing what TV shows we enjoy, books we’ve read, movies to watch. We all love the show Taskmaster, so really Greg Davies has been a huge source of motivation!”

The team all have their individual reasons for taking part in what is set to be a demanding challenge, raising vital funds and awareness for a host of important local and national charities. Team member Lisa, shared, “I’m raising money for the Alzheimer's Society. The disease has impacted my family personally, and the charity provide much needed resources, advice, and support for families in need when a loved one is diagnosed.”

A list of the charities and donation pages for all of Team 1909’s efforts can be found below. Good luck team, we’re all cheering you on!

The Fire Fighters Charity
Dementia UK
Alzheimer’s UK
UOCEAN2050
Combat Stress for Veteran’s Mental Health