Trots trio’s unique challenge
THREE ladies from Taf Running and Orienteering took part in a unique London Marathon on Sunday.
Yvonne Davies, Janette Jenkins and Caron Mckee-hands were just three of thousands of runners to have their hopes of running in the event dashed when the Covid-19 outbreak meant that its April date could not go ahead.
Following a postponement to October, the main race was confined to elite athletes only, so the 40,000 mass participants had the option to run the marathon distance on home ground, logging their result electronically.
The Taf trio took this option, running together on a route starting and finishing in Carmarthen and passing through the town three times on loops to and from Bancyfelin, Cwmffrwd, Llangunnor and White Mill.
On a day where weather conditions dictated survival rather than fast times, the three finished their marathon by the quayside, five hours and 20 minutes after starting at Trinity College.
For Yvonne it was a personal best time, having taken part in the 2015 London Marathon before joining TROTS.
This was Caron’s third time in the event, while Janette was making her first attempt at the distance.
Yvonne’s entry was through a pledge to raise £2,000 for the charity Group B Strep Support, which researches the infection in babies. Having started her fundraising effort last October by organising fun runs and other events, which were supported by TROTS, she easily surpassed this figure.
Caron was also running for a charity which she owes a lot to. In 2015 she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and received extensive treatment, with Macmillan nurses at the forefront of her recovery. She has raised more than £400 for Macmillan cancer care.
Despite the appalling weather, the three ladies were cheered on by fellow TROTS along the way. They would like to thank them, along with friends and family, for their support.