Runner Spotlight Q&A with Kerry

You’ve signed up for the Marathon Relay – what made you do it? Was it a burst of inspiration or a moment of madness?

I would say it was a burst of enthusiasm and madness! I stopped smoking that day and when the relay was mentioned another person was needed so I was like ‘hey why not!’.

You’re running to raise money for YMCA Humber’s Youth Services, namely improving the facilities at Kent Street. Why do you think the work we do in the local community is so important? 

I’m so passionate about Mental Health and our Community which is why I love working at the YMCA- raising money for our youth services will give our communities young people a safe place to engage, feel empowered and figure out who they are and what they want to become which is what it’s all about! 

Would you class yourself as a runner and have you done anything like this before? If not, why now

I am absolutely not a runner, I like the gym and team sports but running is really not my thing.  

What song is always on your running playlist? Any guilty pleasures we should know about?

My playlist is so random I listen to anything from Maneskin to Adele.

How do you keep yourself going when your legs are ready to call it a day?

I have mantras running through my head telling me to keep on going!

What’s been your most memorable moment while out training? Good or bad!

Just getting through my first run is probably the most memorable thing for me as I have never done it before.  

Do you have any pieces of wisdom, mantras, tricks or treats that help you get out the door and on the road on tough days?

I normally try to tell myself I will enjoy it once I go (I don’t). 

What’s your go-to reward after a long run?

I also feel proud of myself for pushing through, but a reward is a nice, iced coffee.

What do you think the most enjoyable thing about this challenge will be?

Being with my colleagues - everyone supports each other no matter the fitness level and we all have a laugh and a joke which is great.  

Why should people donate and support our fundraising?  

A lot of us doing this relay/marathon are not runners, but we are all running to raise funds to create better facilities and opportunities at Kent Street which not only helps our young people but whole families. So if you are wanting to make a difference to your community every donation helps.  

YMCA Humber is asking the public to get behind the campaign by donating via the team’s JustGiving page, sharing the campaign on social media, or simply cheering the team on in the weeks ahead.

Every donation will go directly towards improvements at the Kent Street Youth Hub, from brighter, more welcoming communal areas to upgraded equipment and enhanced support spaces.

To donate, visit our JustGiving page here.