UP-DATE FROM THE NORFOLK COAST PARTNERSHIP
ON MAREE'S DOUBLE MARATHON

The Norfolk Coast was graced with an outstanding effort of fitness, stamina and charitable support with the successful completion of a one-woman double marathon from Cromer to Snettisham.  Maree Limpus, who was running to raise funds for The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House, ran the ultra-distance route in around eight and a half hours.

“I feel that The Norfolk Hospice is a fantastic cause serving our community and they depend on the generosity of community they serve for 85% of their funding, I am extremely proud to be raising funds to support their care services, said Maree.”  

“As I was en-route I was travelling through several parts of the county I’d never seen before which was wonderful and really what the run was all about, emphasising and promoting how stunning the countryside is in this part of the world and why we shouldn’t take it for granted,” says Maree, a keen runner who frequently cycles the 17-mile round trip to her place of work. 

Several of Maree’s colleagues from the Norfolk Coast Partnership and the National Trail team joined her for certain sections of the run and her partner John provided cycle support throughout, calling in with progress reports to friends, well-wishers and local radio stations.  “At one point a car pulled up alongside and said that they had heard about what I was doing on the radio.  They were really supportive and cheered me on!”

The 53 mile trek was not without its mental and physical challenges, “Even before I started the run, the amount of interest it had attracted was making me a bit nervous because you worry that you might let people down.  I’m not really keen on being the centre of attention either – there was a lot of expectation resting on my shoulders.” 

By the time she reached the first marathon distance Maree started getting pains in her leg which threw in question whether she would be able to complete the double marathon distance.  Determined to see her challenge through to the finish Maree persevered through yet another 26 miles and around 2 hours of rain and even hail towards the end.  “Around three quarters of the way through I just had to completely adjust my mindset and stop thinking.  I put my music on for the last hour or so to really find some focus – Bob Dylan and the Eagles got me through it!  I was also focusing on what other people go through, thinking about the people at the Hospice and their families who are facing the challenges of living with life-limiting illnesses.”

“It felt great to get back to finish at the Hospice, I was elated and there was a really nice welcoming committee there to welcome me back.  The atmosphere was lovely.  The Mayor Kathy Melish presented me with some flowers and I was treated to a hot bath, chocolate muffins and fish and chips which was perfect!” 

Maree can still be sponsored online at www.justgiving.com/NorfolkCoastRun or by calling 01328 850530.

Norfolk Coast Partnership Community Officer Maree Limpus is to run 53 miles non-stop to celebrate the area’s 40^th anniversary of being specially protected – and to raise money for The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House.  Maree is hoping to raise at least £2,000 for the Snettisham-based Hospice. Except for  cycle support, she will run alone for most of the  route which will follow the Norfolk Coast Cycleway from Cromer to Snettisham – an extraordinary double-marathon distance!

The Norfolk Coast was designated an area of outstanding natural beauty by the government in on 8 April 1968, in order to protect its incredible landscapes for the nation. This special protection has meant that the area we treasure today has stayed special.

Maree (who also turns 40 in July) said: “For me this run is about celebrating both life and this beautiful area; it is about going that little bit further for the things I believe in. It brings me such joy to be out there in our stunning environment and the more time I spend out there the more I appreciate it.” 

The Norfolk Coast Partnership brings together the many organisations involved in looking after the area. It seeks to make sure all development is sustainable, and has been involved in projects ranging from setting up the Coasthopper bus route and the Norfolk Coast Cycleway to promoting local foods.

As the administrator of The Norfolk Coast’s Sustainable Development Fund (which supports projects bringing positive changes to the area), Maree usually cycles to work (a 17-mile round trip) and says that as well as saving energy and money, it makes her feel good – physically and mentally.

Maree hopes her ultra distance run will inspire people to think about what they can do in their homes and lives   that will have a positive effect on their lives and their planet: “I think we are all capable of so much more than we think we are. We can all live more sustainably if we try – there’s a lot of scope to change and although these changes may seem hard, they often bring tremendous satisfaction and benefits.”

She is hoping to raise significant funds for The Norfolk Hospice, based in the western section of the AONB at Snettisham: “Thinking of the people who benefit from its services and the time and energy put in by the wonderful volunteers at the hospice makes my efforts seem less daunting and helps me keep going”.

“I hope other people are inspired to run for the Hospice in the Great East Anglia Run in King’s Lynn in May or in the 2009 London Marathon.”  

You can sponsor Maree online at www.justgiving.com/NorfolkCoastRun or by calling 01328 850530.

The Norfolk Hospice, Tapping House provides vital care and support to patients, families and carers throughout Norfolk and the Fens living with cancer, neurological and other life-limiting conditions.  Outstanding voluntary commitments like Maree’s are very important to the Hospice as it depends on the community for 85% of its funding.