A COVENTRY runner with a passion for travelling continued his ‘half-marathon’ mission across Europe to raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Jason Stevens has teamed up with work colleague Cameron Lund to complete 12 half-marathons in 12 different European cities throughout the 12 calendar months this year.
With the support of friends, family and the general public, both Jason and Cameron have already raised more than £2,500 for the charity which supports people affected by dementia across the UK.
Their latest challenge saw the pair travel to Amsterdam to tackle their tenth half marathon – meaning only Palermo in Italy and Lisbon in Portugal remain.
With a fresh aim to raise £3,000 before the end of the year, Jason said the idea to run half-marathons across Europe combined the pair’s passion for running, travelling and fundraising.
Jason said: “The challenge can be tricky as each of the races takes place in a different climate.
“It is great fun though as running a half marathon is a unique way of exploring the city.
“Sometimes you don’t notice you’re actually taking part in the half marathon as you spend most the race looking at all the beautiful scenery, that’s the best part of running for sure.”
As part of the Amsterdam half-marathon, Jason and Cameron both completed the course inside the Olympic Stadium which hosted the 1928 Games.
Despite completing the race with no music – due to an unfortunate misplacement of a pair of headphones – Jason said he felt like a champion when completing the race in front of thousands of spactators.
He said: “It was some feeling entering that stadium, the texture under your feet changing from hard concrete to the soft bouncy artificial surface and the cheer from the supporting crowds on the street – you really do feel like a champion.
“The day was well planned and we were finishing not long after the full marathon so there was a good number of people to cheer us home.”
Both Jason and Cameron decided to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society after Cameron’s housemate has a personal link to the disease.
Jason said: “When you look into the stats and figures, Alzheimer’s is one of the most costly illnesses in the world so we want to do our bit and raise any money we can.
“The support we’ve received has been incredible.”
To keep up to date with Jason and Cameron’s mission, visit www.facebook.com/runeuropeUK where further details about fundraising are listed.
