Aquinoe’s runners at the annual 10km run round Olympic Park in London on Sunday 17th July shrugged aside humid conditions to make for another memorable day.
Around £500 was raised with Patrick and Ed both easily breaking the one-hour barrier. Patrick is son and Ed son-in-law of charity founder Jean Thompson
Patrick came home in 58 minutes 27 seconds with Ed close up in 58:51. Dave Thompson, Jean’s husband, found conditions tough and made it across the line in 1:11:37 encouraged along by daughter Marie who covered the 10km with him, recording 1:11:36.
Dave, 71, says: “I ran it last year about four minutes quicker with my son Chris but today was much warmer and stickier. From 7km on it was quite a mission for all of us I think but with the stadium in sight we were able to battle through.”
Three family members who had intended to run had to pull out with injury but all turned up in the Park to lend fantastic support and then cheer the runners home in the stadium with Chariots of Fire blaring across the PA system.
Dave says: “It’s fantastic to run into the stadium and then look up and see your family cheering you on from the stands. Marie and I ran up the final straight hand in hand, just as we had done in the Great North Run a few years back.”
In total there were around 8,760 taking part with Patrick finishing 3,150th, Ed 3,269th, Marie 6,380th and Dave 6,384th.
Dave reckons: “Not bad at all with plenty of people behind us and both Patrick and Ed finishing in the top half despite the conditions. In addition, some valuable sponsorship was raised so sincere thanks again to all our supporters. It really is most kind.”
