Running for Remembrance: Race 8, Walton on Thames

On Sunday 11th November, hundreds of athletes joined Emma Preston and Clint Nykamp at Walton on Thames for the Remembrance Day Marathon, marking 100 years since the end of the First World War.

To donate to the 12 Marathons Challenge, please click here.

This powerful and emotive occasion has made this race especially important in the 12 Marathons Challenge. 

The race was designed as an ‘out and back’ course. Runners used the same stretch of three and a half miles and completed this eight times. Despite the repetitive nature of the course, Emma noted how motivated she felt to have runners in her sight-line for the whole race, which wasn’t the case for some of the other marathons, like Isle of Wight and Yeovil. 

Emma and Clint high-fived each other seven times as they crossed paths in the race!

Emma
Race time: 6 hours 41 minutes
Emma said: “Wow, this was a muddy race! My trainers were squelching with mud and water by the end.

“It was a flat course and great to have lots of runners alongside me. Some of our previous races have been really quiet so this was a refreshing change. 

“The two-minute silence at 11am made the whole experience for me. The air horn sounded and all competitors stood still, cyclists dismounted and passers-by halted. Everyone stopped and reflected, it was amazing and incredibly moving.

Emma shuffling on the muddy path

“It was lovely to have Matthew [Pryke, The Fine & Country Foundation’s lawyer] join us on the day. He ran with me, cheered us on and interviewed me mid-race.

“Thank you to all my supporters. I am only £400 away from my fundraising target with four races left. If you haven’t donated yet, please go onto my JustGiving page today.”

Matthew said: “It was such a great pleasure to watch Clint and Emma on Sunday. It is a monumental personal challenge they have both undertaken for a great cause. I thank them both and hope the whole F&C network gets behind them for the last four marathons to help them maximise the donations for the F&C Foundation.”

View of the Thames from the marathon track

Clint
Race time: 5 hours 27 minutes
Clint said: “It was another early start on Sunday morning to drive two hours to Walton on Thames. I started my journey at 5.30am and as I drove further south, the rain became more and more torrential. 

“Thankfully the rain eased off, or at least it did for most of the race. At a few points of the course it tipped it down and we were forced to run around and jump over puddles. I was a little jealous of Emma’s coat because it was freezing.

Clint, always smiling

“I have dedicated this race to my comrades Second Royal Regiment Fusiliers, all the fallen soldiers and veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. It meant a lot to me to be able to include Remembrance Day in the 12 Marathons Challenge. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far, and I urge those who are yet to give to support our challenge because the money raised will make a huge difference to those who really need it.”

Next race: 1st December, Nottingham
Cheer on Emma from the sidelines at:

National Water Sports Centre
Adbolton Lane
Holme Pierrepont
Nottingham
NG12 2LU

To support Clint and Emma’s challenge, please click here.

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