Gainsborough Floorings’ Josh supports St Catherine’s with marathon runs

Following on from the Three Peaks Challenge last year, Josh Keelan is determined to continue raising money for St Catherine’s Hospice, and completed the Manchester half marathon in October in preparation for the full marathon next April.

Josh said: “St Catherine’s is the chosen charity of our family business, Gainsborough Flooring, as like many local families we’ve all been touched by the fantastic support St Catherine’s provides to so many.”

Despite a wet and miserable day, Josh achieved a time of 1 hour, 25 minutes and 12 seconds in the Manchester half marathon.

“I’d challenged myself to do the half marathon in under one hour and 30 mins and I am really chuffed to have done that,” he said. “On top of that I actually finished 514 out of around 15,000 runners, which I feel is an amazing achievement! All my training and healthy eating has certainly paid off!”

Josh trained six days a week in the run-up to the challenge. A keen hockey player, he found his hockey practice and tournaments were a tremendous help in keeping him fit whilst being fun and competitive.

As Josh is studying for a Masters in Engineering at Durham, the majority of his training took place there and the challenging hills helped him with his fitness compared to the flat areas in Preston.

Josh also committed to giving up up beer and junk food and instead opted for a diet of mainly protein such as chicken and eggs, interspersed with a little pasta and rice along the way to sustain his energy levels.

Emma Jacovelli, head of community engagement at the Lostock Hall hospice, said: “Josh really put a lot of effort into his training and was so determind and committed to completing the challenge – we’re dleighted he achieved the time he was aiming for, and so so grateful that he’s raised a fantastic £375 for the hospice.”

To sponsor Josh, please click here.

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