10th October, 2019, Stephenson Smart
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
