Councillor embarks on ‘My Marathon’ challenge

Shropshire Councillor Steve Charmley has begun his challenge to complete 26 miles over a 26 day period, by completing a series of short walks across north Shropshire.

Steve is supporting the ‘My Marathon’ campaign, which aims to encourage people to be more active by completing the marathon distance in bite-size chunks, in any way that they wish.

Steve began his My Marathon challenge on 5 August 2012 – the same day as the Olympics women’s marathon, and you can follow his progress on the My Marathon Facebook page, and on his personal blog.

The My Marathon idea was dreamt up by 11-year-old Josh Beharrell, a young Shrewsbury lad who, along with a friend, ran a mile each weekday around his school field track during July 2010, raising £1,000 for the Severn Hospice.

Shropshire County PCT, Shropshire Council and Severn Hospice loved the concept that anyone can do a marathon, and now want to encourage more people to do their own ‘My Marathon’.

Steve said: “I have always been an active person but due to the nature of my current lifestyle as a councillor I have got out of the habit of exercise, something which I really want to change. There are lots of people across Shropshire classed as obese but still doing no physical activity. My Marathon is designed to be an easy access approach to getting active one step at a time.

“I am also raising money for Severn Hospice after losing my  late mother to cancer. If I had known more about the Hospice at that time, she could have passed away with more dignity.

“I’m really enjoying the challenge of getting myself active again and also raising money for a good cause. I hope I can inspire other people to get active, and do their own ‘my marathon’. This Sunday (12 August 2012) is the men’s Olympic marathon, which would be a great time for others to start their own personal challenge.”

You can find out more about the My Marathon campaign by clicking here.