Half marathon tribute for Biggleswade runner Vikki Vowles
Corinne Calligan, Helen Steward and Rachel Stott of Biggleswade Athletic Club. Picture: Helen Jones - Credit: Archant
Biggleswade Athletic Club members ran a half marathon on Sunday to pay tribute to a beloved fellow runner who tragically died last year.
Members of Biggleswade Athletic Club ran the Casterbridge Half Marathon in memory of Vikki Vowles. Picture: Bev Strong - Credit: Archant
Nineteen runners from the club tackled the Casterbridge Half Marathon a punishing hot Dorset day to remember Vikki Vowles – who died last August, aged just 47.
Some of those runners decided to run through injury, and one interupted eight months in Peru just to take part – while others raised money for charity.
One Biggleswade fundraiser was Jacqui Thompson, who said: “I personally ran this event just for Vikki, and knew for a tortoise like myself it would be tough. I had heard all about the hills, especially the last killer hill, but round every bend you were met with a climb and some of them were beasts.
“As I knew this would be my only ever half marathon I decided to make mine a sponsored event. DKMS – who fight against blood cancer – was my chosen charity and I raised £1122.50.
Marcus Davey crosses the finish line at the Casterbridge Half Marathon. Picture: Helen Jones - Credit: Archant
“I am very proud to have completed this in Vikki’s memory, and also proud of all the others who took part – especially Helen Steward for attempting the run even though she was injured.
“Julie Cooke did her run for charity, raising a substantial amount for Ataxia. Malcolm Steward knocked off about 20 minutes from last year’s time, and Corinne Calligan flew back for a few days from Peru – interrupting eight months travelling – purely to take part in this with us, again for Vikki. A fitting tribute to a truly inspirational and much missed friend.”
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Vikki ran her first half marathon on the hilly Dorset course this time last year, with Rachel Stott – who ran the course again on Sunday, paying a heartfelt tribute.
“Despite the hills and the heat I just wanted to enjoy the run and remember the great times that we all had last year, celebrating our first half with great friends, especially Vikki,” said Rachel.
“There were a few tears of sadness and joy along the way as we remembered her.”
Marcus Davey said: “Vikki inspired and is likely to continue to inspire others to give it a go, proving anything is possible.”
He added: “Remember, a half marathon isn’t just for a holiday weekend, it’s for life – so I hope all of those that ran will continue to enjoy future events.
“Just try some flatter ones, OK?”
