It goes without saying running a half marathon takes determination, fitness and stamina, but running 13.1 miles in bare feet takes the challenge to whole new level.
Bill Holden from West Norwood, London, decided to run in the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2011 for Christian Aid in completely bare feet. And though his training was challenging and his feet very sore, Bill soared through the finish line in just over 2 hours. An incredible achievement.
Libby Gordon, our National and Challenge Events Manager, spoke to Bill about his experience and why he decided to take our half marathon challenge one step further.
What inspired you to run for Christian Aid?
Of all the charities presented to me when I signed up for the half marathon, I knew that Christian Aid wasn’t just concerned with the here and now, but also with living the gospel and being Jesus’ hand and feet, to show genuine love and to heal hearts as well as help practically.
Is this your first half marathon?
Yes!
Why did you choose to do the run in bare feet?
I chose to run with bare feet because after reading into it (practical and scientific studies) I thought that God had done a fine job designing the human foot and I didn’t need to hinder it with running shoes.
I also thought that if people had been walking around for thousands of years without shoes and seemed to get on fine, then why not me?
How was your training?
The training was a mixture of fun, excitement, disbelief (at the distances I was covering) and hard work. If it weren’t running for charity, I may have given up.
How did it feel when you crossed the finish line?
Sore! Also very pleased with my last effort sprint. The perfectionist in me started to analyse where I could have run faster because I had lots of energy to continue as I had to run slower than planned due to the rough footpaths and roads.
What would your advice be to people wanting to fundraise for Christian Aid?
Be creative and persistent but also have grace with people who just aren’t into your thing, it is charity donations you want after all, not angry or fed up supporters. Also, keep them in the loop with your progress and say thank you to each person as personally as possible.
Are you inspired?
Sign up to one of our exciting challenge events today! Find out more here and find a challenge that suits you.
