TCAF marathon team completes 2024 event in style

Seven runners raising funds for The Countryside Alliance Foundation (TCAF) completed the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 21 April. 

Farmer’s daughter, Lucy Berryman, who completed the 26.2 miles in a staggering 3hrs 5mins, shared that it was “an absolutely incredible day!” She thanked TCAF for enabling her to run the marathon, saying:

“It makes such a difference when the going gets tough knowing it’s for such a good cause and amazing to hear people cheering your name.”

“The entire team of runners have expressed out incredibly grateful they are to all those who donated to their fundraising pages and supported them throughout their training and on the big day,” explained Catrin Robinson, speaking on behalf of TCAF. “There was quite a bit of wind this year which made it tricky at times, but the streets were lined with thousands of people and every one of the TCAF team was spurred on by the sight of family and friends in the crowd, offering them inspiration and motivation to complete this huge challenge.”

Raising more than £13,000, the whole team worked hard not only in raising this huge amount of money, but training tirelessly over the cold and very wet winter months. It hasn’t been the easiest of winters to train for any endurance event but as Lawrence Tribe-Endt, Marketing Manager for the Countryside Alliance, reflected:

“Crossing that London Marathon finish line felt like reeling in the biggest catch of my life! Every step, every ache, was worth it for the future of those children and schools. Huge thanks to the TCAF team – their support was the bait that kept me hooked throughout training and race day. Thanks for the opportunity to run for such an amazing cause. Here’s to brighter futures, one stride and one fish at a time!”

James Hodgson also completed the London Marathon as part of The Countryside Alliance Foundation team. James is no stranger to a marathon, having completed marathons in Paris and Edinburgh before, but the London Marathon was a bucket list item of his! Having grown up in the Lake District, the countryside has always been an important part of James' life. When talking about raising these all important funds for TCAF, he said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity to help get more young people involved in the outdoors and protect our natural environment.”

Also running their first marathon were Gareth Watchman MFH and Andrew Sallis, Horse & Hound columnist and former MFH. Both ran great times and with Gareth having been unwell in the week leading up to the marathon, he still completed in a great time. Gareth said:

“Not being a runner at all, I was happy to finish under the 5hour mark at 4hours 52minutes. I enjoyed it until mile 14, then it became a harder and harder slog from there onwards.

Andrew was experiencing a “cocktail of disbelief, terror and excitement” prior to the event but completed the marathon spectacularly in 4hours 48minutes.

Kit Longstaff, a property partner from Lincolnshire, crossed the line in an incredible time of 4hour 15mins. He reflected on how it was “an amazing event and very well organised. Probably the toughest physical and mental challenge I’ve faced, but brilliant to raise valuable funds for a very worthy cause!”

Gary Millone, International Sales Manager from Norwich, unfortunately had to withdraw from the event on medical grounds but amazingly he still managed to walk the distance of the marathon on the day in his local area. He reflected, “I saw five people the entire time with some sheep to cheer me on!”

Donations to the runners’ fundraising pages are still being accepted, so please do visit the marathon hub to donate.