A CHALLENGE dedicated to a marathon runner who died of cancer has raised more than £40,000 since it began.
More than 250 people pledged to exercise for 30 minutes a day throughout December, even on Christmas Day, as part of the 2022 Tinathon Challenge.
Since it began in 2019, ‘Tinathoners’ have raised more than £40,000 for Winchester Hospice and Wessex Cancer Trust with £10,000 being made in the December 2022 challenge.
The fundraiser was launched as a tribute to Tina Jury, a local runner who completed more than 100 marathons even while undergoing chemotherapy.
Participants paid an entry fee and could choose whatever activity they wanted as long as it raised their heart rate for at least half an hour. Any day missed meant a fine had to be paid to the charities.
READ MORE: Tinathon: Winchester runners take on challenge as tribute to Tina Jury
Tinathoners, wearing their branded buffs supplied by Alexandra Sports were seen out running, swimming, cycling, power walking and going to the gym. On one night the fitness fundraisers also accompanied Winchester Rotary Club’s Santa sleigh.
The challenge was created by two of Tina’s friends, local PR Miranda Rocksmith and personal trainer Heather Terry who got Tina’s friends and family on board to take part. This year, as word has spread of the challenge, there were participants from across the UK and in America, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, and Sweden.
To support the participants, sports facilities and clubs in the area such as Orangetheory Fitness, F45, Farrant Fitness, énergie Fitness, Winchester Fit Club, Green Apple Fitness, FitState, Onfirefitness and Winchester Women’s Rugby Club put on free classes.
Personal trainers including Tom Donaldson, Nicky Watt, Jason Moore, Lahra Starks, Sharon Worth and Phoebe Cartwright also hosted special in-person, online classes, and pre-recorded fitness sessions. Meanwhile, Mary Needham of Munch CIC provided healthy recipes and Sarah Crudgington of ScfloFintness offered sports massages.
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Many of the group came together on the final day at Winchester’s Park Run led by James White and a special outdoor HIIT Class led by challenge co-founder Heather.
Miranda Rocksmith said: “We thought we might find it difficult this year to encourage people to sign up but we are delighted by how many got involved. Some were back for a fourth consecutive year while others were joining in for the first time. It’s a wonderful legacy to Tina and we love organising Tinathon.”
Heather Terry said: “We always feel warmed by hearing the stories of how getting out every day and exercising throughout December really helps support people mentally as well as physically. A huge thank you to all our PTs and gyms who helped make this happen.”
For more information or to join the next event go to the Facebook group Tinathon22.
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