Derbyshire woman to run two marathons in one week - on opposite sides of the globe
Katie is set to run a total of 84 kilometres in both London Marathon and Boston Marathon!
Running one marathon is a bucket-list moment, however one local woman is going the extra mile - literally - by running two marathons, in different countries in one week.
Katie Rolfe, from Buxton, is taking on the ultimate physical challenge running two marathons over 3,000 miles apart.
She aims to raise funds for Save The Children charity.
The 47-year-old will be running the Boston Marathon on Monday April 15.
She will then run the London Marathon on Sunday April 21.
The marathons which are both 42 kilometres in length, are just six days’ apart.
By day Katie works as a statistics director at GSK.
She was inspired to run her first marathon for charity in 2016, after hearing about the impactful work being done through the company’s long-standing partnership with Save The Children.
Reflecting on her motivations behind the challenge, Katie said: “My family have supported Save The Children most of my life, and I have supported them since childhood.
“I believe that all children deserve the best start in life regardless of where they are born, or into what circumstances, something that Save The Children helps to deliver.
“As a student I spent three months volunteering in a Kenyan orphanage and this only cemented this belief.
“I now work supporting the Global health group within GSK, so further hear about the work of Save The Children and its impact.”
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To prepare for the marathon challenge Katie is following a robust training plan, including running at least three times per week, gradually building up the distance, as well as sessions on her exercise bike and strength work.
Helen Slee, Senior Fundraising Manager at Save The Children UK said: “We’re so grateful to Katie for taking on this immense physical challenge.
"Our work is only possible thanks to amazing supporters like her and our partners in the UK, who are committed to making the world a better place for children.”
To donate to Katie’s fundraiser visit her Just Giving page by clicking here.
All donations received, up to a total of £1,500 will be matched by Katie’s employer GSK.
At the time of publication, Katie has raised £1,019.
Supporters have left positive messages on the JustGiving page, hailing Katie as ‘amazing’ and wishing her luck for fundraising efforts.