34 New Year, Fresh Start Charity Challenges
Running the distance A
imee Fuller, the two-time Team GB Winter Olympian, competed in her last professional
competition in 2018, and has since turned her attention to broadcasting and presenting her podcast. But while reporting on sport may be enough for some, the Olympian can’t help but continue to compete, this time, through the form of marathon-running. In 2023 alone, Aimee participated in the London Landmarks Half Marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon and the Ealing Half Marathon, as well as presenting and running in the Great North Run. But what is it about running that motivates her? “For me, there’s no better feeling
than having the ability to carry your body over a distance,” says Aimee. “It feels like a superpower. Being able to keep going with no time restraints or pressure on distance gives me such a huge sense of freedom.” But it’s not only the experience of running that inspires Aimee to keep going, but raising awareness and money for a cause that’s close to her heart. “I think that marathons, or any
sportive, are a great way to bring people together and to raise money for life-changing research,” she explains. “I ran the NYC Marathon
with my mum for Cancer Research UK, because the illness is something that’s aff ected my family.” And that’s not all. Next April, the snowboarding champion is set to take part in the 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon, which is organised by the UK’s leading baby loss charity, Tommy’s. Last year, the race raised over £11
million for charity, and is expected to exceed its £50 million goal since its conception in 2018. And, with over 500 charities partnered with the race next year, including the NSPCC, the British Heart Foundation and Prostate Cancer UK, it’s clear that participating in events like this is a great way to smash your personal goals while giving back. But while we all want to contribute to charities, marathon-running can be a daunting prospect, and Aimee herself acknowledges the challenges. “I participated in my fi rst
marathon in North Korea, while fi lming for a documentary. It was an out-and-back race, so we ran out of Pyongyang for 13.1 miles, and turned right around and came back. T e start in the Kim Il Sung stadium was phenomenal, but when we left, the crowds dispersed, and it was a very quiet route. It was defi nitely my toughest one to date.”
Promotional Content • Saturday 13th January 2024
From Olympic snowboarding to marathon running through North Korea, Aimee Fuller delves into her passion for movement — and how you can fi nd joy in it, too. Words: Anna Evdokimou
So, that’s why the Olympian
recommends participating with a friend or relative, noting how special it is to share that experience with someone, and how much more joyful it makes the race. She also recommends not focusing on speed or setting yourself time goals: “Last year, Mum and I removed all the pressure that we had previously put on ourselves and it made the experience so much more enjoyable. We even got across the fi nish line in under two hours by having removed that stress.” As well as her frequent marathon participation, Aimee is passionate about motivating others to engage in movement more broadly and created her Monday Mile podcast to inspire listeners to choose walking over public transport or driving.
THE 2024 LONDON HALF
The 2024 London Landmarks Half Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday 7 April. While the public ballot for places is now closed, you can enter via one of the races 500+ charity partners. Find out more at
llhm.co.uk
Aimee Fuller
HISTORY.CYCLING. CAMARADERIE
Our full range of fundraising events can be found on our website
H4Hweb.com/BBBR Visit -
H4Hweb.com/BBBR
Help for Heroes is a limited company registered in England (06363256) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1120920) and Scotland (SC044984). Registered office: 14 Parkers Close, Downton Business Centre, Downton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 3RB. Registered with Fundraising
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40
