From Wellingborough to Corby and beyond marathon man Chris keeps on running through the pain

Chris challenged himself to running between all 17 Consensus residential homes in Northamptonshire
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A Kettering manager has been cheered on to complete a non-stop marathon tour of all 17 homes owned by the company he works for in Northamptonshire.

Chris Gell, operations manager at Consensus, a provider of support and accommodation for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs, successfully completed a 30-mile charity run.

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Starting in Wellingborough and ending in Gretton, the Consensus Marathon took in all of Consensus Northants' homes visiting Burton Latimer, Barton Seagrave, Kettering, Desborough, Corby in between taking seven hours and 30 minutes in total.

Chris, 38, said: “The marathon was a fantastic way to lift everyone’s spirits and bring a smile to the people we support within our Northants services. The supported individuals at each service really enjoyed getting involved and preparing banners for the big day.

“They were amazing and their support really kept me going, especially as the legs began to ache at Desborough after going up the hill.

"The worst bit was from Desborough to Corby. I ran 200 yards and then walked 200 yards and kept going

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"My calves were really hurting and anyone who saw me running through Corby must have wondered what was going on."

Chris with colleagues and supported individuals at Perrywood House, KetteringChris with colleagues and supported individuals at Perrywood House, Kettering
Chris with colleagues and supported individuals at Perrywood House, Kettering

Colleagues joined Chris for different parts of the journey so that he would have company along the route. Claire Miller, service manager of Perrywood House, Kettering followed Chris in a support car between Kettering, Desborough and Corby and then ran the last four-and-a-half miles with him to the finishing line.

For the last leg between Corby and Gretton House, a car with supported individuals followed Chris and pulled into each lay-by to cheer him on as he went past.

As well as lifting the spirits of the 140 individuals supported by Consensus, Chris was keen to make a positive difference within his home town of Kettering by supporting a town food project for homeless people - Corona Kitchen set up by Open Door Church.

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“I was really keen to use the challenge to make a positive difference to the lives of people within our local community. I chose Corona Kitchen because they are a fantastic and dedicated group of volunteers and rely heavily on people’s donations to keep running."

Banners welcome ChrisBanners welcome Chris
Banners welcome Chris

A former footballer with Irchester United and now reserves manager, Chris took up running to keep fit after finishing playing.

He has entered the London Marathon ballot five years in a row but so far his dream has eluded him. This year he had secured a space for the Edinburgh Marathon but it was cancelled due to Covid.

Now back in training, Chris hopes it is sixth time lucky and will be successful next year and there might even be another Consensus Marathon.

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He added: "If enough people join in and other staff members run too we might do it again."

Chris runningChris running
Chris running

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