On Sunday 20 October 2024, Pocklington School Foundation was proudly represented by two staff teams, Team Courage and Team Truth and Trust, at this year's Yorkshire Relay Marathon. The teams took on the full 26.2-mile marathon course in a relay format, running in support of three remarkable charities: St Leonard’s Hospice York, Martin House Hospice, and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation UK.
Running for a cause: Pocklington School conquers the Yorkshire Marathon Relay!
In the lead-up to race day, the teams organised a 'Marabun' Sale to raise funds for these worthy causes. Pupils from both the Prep and Senior Schools showed their enthusiastic support by purchasing an array of delicious homemade cupcakes. The bake sale was a resounding success, raising a total of £365.28. This, combined with donations collected through JustGiving pages set up for the three charities, allowed Team Courage and Team Truth and Trust to raise over £1,800.00 These funds will significantly impact the lives of those benefitting from the chosen charities.
With fundraising efforts successfully completed, it was time for the teams to don their running shoes and take their positions at the starting line, proudly wearing their team race shirts. They joined thousands of participants who had also chosen to run the Yorkshire Marathon, either solo or as part of a relay team. The weather forecast had predicted heavy rain and high winds, but fortunately, the latter did not materialise, and the rain failed to dampen the teams' spirits. As the baton was passed from one runner to the next along the 26.2-mile route, the course showcased the scenic beauty of York before leading into the picturesque countryside. The route looped back to the city, starting and ending at the University of York.
Both teams triumphantly crossed the finish line, clocking in at just over 4 hours and 22 minutes, and proudly received their Yorkshire Marathon Team Relay medals.
"It was a brilliant day and such good fun.
Congratulations to all the runners on the day, thank you to the fabulous organisers and to everyone who supported us and for their commitment to help make a difference in our community."
Toby Seth, Headmaster at Pocklington School