Running 10 kilometres would be seen as a gruelling task by many people who aren’t fitness fanatics, especially when it’s miserable weather outside and the prospect of facing the elements isn’t as appealing as curling up on the sofa.
To lace up your running shoes and complete that distance on just a few occasions would take some effort, but Rotherham United’s Performance Manager Ross Burbeary is committed to doing that during every day across the month of November!
Ross and former Millers Head Physiotherapist Stephen Gilpin spearheaded the challenge last year, and both will be putting themselves through it all again this time around.
Despite Stephen now working for Hull City, they are both still keen to continue pounding the pavements to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Following on from last year’s campaign the running has generated interest from a number of people at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.
Backroom staff Mark Hoy, Adam Pulford and Matt Lowndes have pledged their commitment to run the distance each day, whilst Head of Medical Paul Gambles has agreed to do a 10k indoor cycle every day across the month, meaning the entire department has signed up.
“Last year myself and Stephen raised an incredible amount for Prostate Cancer UK by running 10k in under 45 minutes every day in November, and Gilps then went on to run the London Marathon too which is a great achievement,” Ross explained.
“It certainly takes its toll on your body and it isn’t an easy thing to do, but all of the aches and pains were worth it considering we managed to raise much-needed funds for a brilliant cause.
“This year we want to get everyone involved! We’re asking people both working in football and out of the industry to get on board with this challenge, regardless of fitness levels.”
Since launching the JustGiving page at the start of October, Ross has been preparing for what will be a testing month by clocking some runs in his spare time.
With a target fundraising total of £20,000, he is encouraging as many people as possible to donate, and former Millers midfielder Will Vaulks has already pledged his support by contributing.
Ross is also keen to see the people of Rotherham taking part in the campaign too, even if they’re not able to commit to running 10k every single day, with the health benefits another factor as to why he would suggest signing up.
“Even if somebody can’t run that distance every day, they can still show their support and get involved by doing the odd few runs or even walking one. The idea is to raise money for charity but exercise has such a positive impact on your health, so what a great opportunity for people to use this as a chance to keep fit and be part of a great cause,” Ross enthused.
“For me, running is my sanctuary – it’s my time to clear my head and get a good sweat on. When work and family life allows me to, you’ll always see me out running round Bradfield near where I live.
"Why pay for a gym membership when you can enjoy where you live for free! As a department we sometimes even have our morning meetings out on a run, we put our trainers on and plan the day/week whilst running up to Thrybergh Resevoir!
“The hardest part of any exercise is putting your shorts on, but after you finish running you never say to yourself I wish I hadn’t have done that! Unfortunately most of us have been affected by Cancer in our lives in some way so to run for your family, friends and loved ones makes you find that extra gear when it starts to hurt a bit.”
If you feel as if you can follow in the footsteps of Ross and Stephen in running 10k a day for Prostate Cancer UK, here are the details of how you can sign up to the challenge:
- Commit to taking part. Before the 1st November decide on a personal time limit for every 10k run. It can be anytime you want but you can't change the time once you've started.
2. Start it and stick at it - you've got this!
3. After each daily run, post your time on social media using #run10kadayforprostate and tagging @ProstateUK. This can be from your watch, phone or even a stopwatch time (we trust you!) NO TREADMILL RUNNING ALLOWED.
4. Raise as much money as you can, asking people to donate to this page.
Optional moustaches will be well received!
If running isn’t for you but you still want to get behind Ross’ efforts, you can donate here:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/run10kadayforprostate