Corby's Nathan clocks up seven half marathons in a week

Nathan ran just over 91 miles - 148 kilometres - in total over the seven days
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A Corby rugby coach who battled bitter weather, blizzards and sub-zero temperatures in taking on seven half marathons in seven days has smashed his fundraising target - and his personal best.

Nathan Hand undertook the challenge, to complete a half marathon every day for a week, a daily distance of 13.1 miles or 21km, to raise funds for S&L Rugby Club where he plays and coaches the U12s squad.

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Taking on the challenge in the 'Beast from the East' cold snap, Nathan has raised £4,802 with supporters to help raise funds for the design and installation of disabled facilities at the Occupation Road clubhouse.

Nathan HandNathan Hand
Nathan Hand

Nathan said: “I felt tired and hungry mostly but knowing why I was doing it made it easier though. I felt strong physically and my legs and feet did me well.

"Having the support from everyone who joined me, those who helped coordinate it, the local businesses who sponsored, and all of the kind people who donated gave me a massive boost in motivation.

"It was an unbelievably satisfying feeling finishing the final run, knowing what we had all accomplished for the club.

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"The other highlight for me was setting a new half marathon and 10k personal best, both set on my son's birthday."

Nathan was joined by friends and colleagues who ran or cycled alongside him to encourage him on his gruelling challenge, spurred on by the fundraising goal to support his beloved club.

He said: “I really wanted to do something positive for the club during these unprecedented times with no rugby being played. We have the aspiration to make the club house fully accessible and I wanted to offer up the idea of this fundraiser as my way of supporting that aspiration. Community rugby has played a big part in my life and I want to do what I can to give back to the community and the club.”

Inspired by rugby league legend Kevin Sinfield's MND fundraiser, Nathan wanted to take on a challenge to encourage people to donate to S&L's cause.

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Nathan said: “I really wanted to do something big enough that it would catch people’s attention and stand as something that would inspire people to donate towards our cause. I needed it to be challenging enough for me personally as well.

"When the time is right, we will be looking to set the next challenge. Keeping with the idea of a seven-day challenge and most likely tailored so our mini and junior players can take the lead.

"I want to keep up the running, so I will be looking to get my first full marathon recorded in the next week or so."

Throughout the week, with sponsor donations, as well as donations on his Just Giving page, he has so far raised £4,802.

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Club chairman Adey Mitchell said: "It takes the effort of a few to inspire and release the kindling flame in others. That flame then grows and turns visions into realities. It has hoped that Nathan's example of being inspired by others to make a difference and then making that a reality will be an inspiration to others in itself.

"What the club is trying to achieve is a legacy that will live on for many years to come. It’s time to stand up, get involved and be part of that legacy.

"On behalf of the club I would like to thank Nathan and Tom Manson for showing the way for his efforts for which, I am sure, he will take great pride for many years to come."

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