INSPIRATIONAL Bangor mum Laura Christmann is putting her best foot forward with a world record breaking attempt that will see her run 61 half marathons on successive days.
The determined mum of two has already raised over £1,632 for Killard House School having successfully completed a half marathon of 13.1 miles every day, for the past 33 days.
With over half of her world record breaking attempt already under her belt, Laura is keen to raise as much money as possible for the school that ‘genuinely loves and cares’ for her beautiful eight year-old daughter Luna.
Little Luna is autistic and non verbal, and Killard House provides vital support, structure and understanding for children with complex needs.
All funds raised by Laura will go toward the school’s sports and family fun events during the summer term, helping create inclusive experiences for pupils and their families.
However, Laura is the first to admit that when she first donned her running shoes she had no idea that her fundraising feat would become a world record breaking attempt.
She explained: “I had previously run the Belfast marathon to raise funds for Killard and I thought ‘what could I do that would be a bit more extreme, that would require endurance’. So I thought about running the half marathons every day, it is much harder.
“I started running the half marathons on January 30 and when I got to the end of February I thought ‘I wonder if I can keep this going for one more month’. I checked it out and there is a world record for half marathons of 60 days – so I am aiming to run a half marathon every day for 61 days to beat the world record.”
Laura spoke about her inspiration saying: “When you have a child like Luna who is non-verbal and needs help feeding, getting dressed and toileted, when I am leaving her off at school, it is not just about being educated. I am leaving her off with people who genuinely love and care for her.”
The local woman is also mum to five year-old Ben and manages to fit her running in around the children’s school runs. “I am doing my runs in between the school runs and I am keeping them all under one hour and 50 minutes.”
She has been buoyed by the support from the Aurora community as she completes her daily half marathons.
“I have been doing the runs in Bangor Aurora and there is a bit of a buzz because everybody knows I am doing the half marathons every day.
“There is a really supportive community in the gym, people are coming up to chat to me and they will encourage me. There is such a great community and that is all great for your mental health.”
Laura is now hoping to raise as much money as possible for Killard House School. “It would be great if I could get a sponsor who would match what I have raised but I am trying to get as much as I can for the school.”
With over four weeks of half marathons already complete, Laura is determined to cross the finish line of her record breaking attempt.
“I am feeling okay. Obviously there is a cumulative fatigue but my mental gain is strong and I am very determined.”
Anyone who would like to make a donation can log on to: www.gofundme.com/f/half-marathon-streak-for-killard-house-school
