A group of intrepid Norfolk accountants braved challenging weather conditions on Sunday to take part in a Suffolk half marathon.
Martyn Benstead, Partner at Stephenson Smart, was joined by Managers Neil Gayton and Dan Jastrzebski, IT Manager Andy Doyle and Tax Senior Jo Pallant, to complete the Nicholson’s Solicitors Lowestoft Half Marathon race in torrential rain.
Despite being soaked to the skin the team, who work at the Fakenham, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth offices, completed the gruelling trek to finish second overall in the business team category.
Neil crossed the line first in 1.38.52, Martyn, just short of a minute later at 1.39.51, Dan in 1.42.40, Andy in 1.44.09 and Jo in 2.06.49.
Neil, Martyn and Andy are keen runners, having taken part in several marathons in the past, while Jo and Dan both competed for charity.
Andy, who has been running competitively for about a year said: “I do like running in the rain, but the wind making it driving rain made for a tough last mile especially. I’m also not a fan of hills and there is one big one at Lowestoft you run up twice!”
Jo raised £407 for Solving Kids Cancer and Lowestoft youngster Jaymen Woolston who is battling the disease, while Dan raised nearly £600 for the King’s Lynn Vancouver Round Table.
Jo said: “I have just about recovered from Sunday, the conditions were awful and very challenging, but it was totally worth it as I did it for such an important reason.
“They had to alter the route at the last minute due to flooding, which meant jumping over a wall and dodging big puddles in the gravel car park – the organisers did very well given the conditions. The men were all a lot faster than me, but were there to cheer me home!”
Dan previously ran a few shorter distances to prepare him for the Lowestoft Half and the Great North Run, which he took part in last month.
Collectively, both races helped him collect nearly £600 for the Round Table, which he chairs.
“At the moment I have raised £590, but the page is still open, so it may go up a little further yet.
“The funds will go towards either direct requests for assistance that we receive from charities in the West Norfolk area and/or local people in need, or towards local people and charities who we find from other sources.”
To make a donation to Jo, visit: https://bit.ly/31VD2PV or Dan, visit https://bit.ly/33hKQvc
Did you find this insight useful?
Why not share online
More Insights from Stephenson Smart
26th June 2020
Business to business support in challenging times
Richard Crossley set up Crossnet Creative, specialising in web development and graphic design, just over a year ago. With companies diversifying to keep afloat during the coronavrius pandemic, Richard has found himself inundated with rebranding and signage requests to allow ...
6th July 2021
Chris Goad: Repayment of Bounce Back Loans
Chris Goads BSc FCA, partner at Stephenson Smart’s Wisbech, March and Downham Market offices, assesses the impact that Bounce Back Loan repayments might have on businesses and what options there might be to help with making the repayments. What is ...
3rd January 2023
Stephenson Smart’s Sporting Accountants
Accountants link to sporting success An ultramarathon runner, a ladies football team captain, an internationally acclaimed cricketer and a world championship pool competitor is quite an impressive list of sporting credentials. Especially when it’s revealed they all work at Stephenson ...
16th June 2022
Sporting accountants take Ultramarathon in their stride
Martyn Benstead, partner at our Fakenham office and Neil Gayton, Manager at our King’s Lynn office have pushed themselves to their physical limits by running an Ultramarathon. The duo began the course at the Peddars Way in Castle Acre at ...
30th April 2024
Spring Budget 2024: What it means for you and your business
The headline from the Spring Budget, presented to parliament by the Chancellor on 6 March 2024, was, once again, the cut to National Insurance rates. However, there were many other announcements made that may have an impact on you and ...
