After a few glasses of wine following our regular “Sunday Lunch Club” meal someone had the bright idea that we should run a marathon to raise money for charity. After a couple more glasses it was agreed that a half marathon would be better and even later that a 10km would be best.
We started training with a gentle jog round the block progressing to a 5km Parkrun each Saturday. That was two years ago. Last year we managed to complete five 10km runs so this year we decided to go international for one of our runs. We are joined in our 5km training runs by another pensioner (Frank McCaffery) but he resists all attempts to get him to do a 10km run. Jenny (my wife) remains our support team making our post-race luncheons. We have raised money for, amongst others, British Heart Foundation, Mind, Cancer Research.
This year four pensioners decided to run the Prague 10km Night Run in September whilst making the trip a long weekend of sight seeing. These were Margaret Kellett (61), Russell Kellett (68), Jenny Herron (67) and my good self Brian Sam Herron (74). We booked our flights, transfers and hotel on line which meant making quite a saving as we could “shop around” and decide on our own itinerary.
We flew by Jet2 from Manchester and after a short flight we arrived in a sunny warm Prague. After booking into our hotel and freshening up we went for a meal at a restaurant recommended by the hotel receptionist. Excellent food at a reasonable price.
Over the next couple of days we did the usual tourist attractions – well quite a few as there are so many that you really need a week to take them all in. Most are within walking distance of the city centre and there are frequent trams to the various sites.
Fantastic architecture, friendly and helpful people and whilst we were there we had sunny weather.
A little advice – we soon learnt that just a short walk from the centre saw restaurant prices tumble whilst the selection of eateries remained high.
On the night of the run we gathered at the Start surrounded mainly by Czechs who were all willing and eager to wish us well for the run. This friendliness continued throughout and after the run. Our finishing times were Russell (58mins 35secs) me (59mins 47secs) Steven (62mins 5 secs) and Margaret 75mins 15secs).
Unfortunately due to a long term injury Jenny was unable to run. I ran to raise money for The Saving Grace Trust in aid of a 10yr old Irish girl who suffers from neuroblastoma (a rare childrens cancer) and for whom they are trying to raise 250,000 euros to send her to USA for treatment not available in Ireland or UK. I raised just over 600 euros and the others made donations.
Recommended visits – Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town and a boat trip on the river. For those who like a tipple – the beer is superb.
Would we go again? – a definite yes from all our party.
Next year, it has been decided, we will do a 10km run each month and our overseas destination will be Berlin.
