By Julie Waters
THERE were celebratory cheers of joy as inspirational Bangor mum Laura Christmann crossed the finish line of her world record breaking half marathon attempt.
For the past 61 days, the mum of two has run a half marathon, – 13.1miles – every day. Laura now has the anxious wait to see if the Guinness World Records authorities approve her record bid.
As well as pushing herself to her physical limits, the local woman has raised over £4,000 for Killard House School. Laura’s eight year-old daughter is a Killard pupil and she was keen to support the school.
Also amongst the well-wishers were Laura’s five year-old son Ben, her husband Sean, friends, family and Killard staff who all congratulated the local woman on her physical feat.
Laura had been completing her daily challenge at Bangor’s Aurora leisure centre and the staff presented her with a special cake and flowers in honour of her achievement.
Catching her breath after her world breaking attempt, Laura said: “I am good, I feel like I could do another one. I don’t feel tired and I may keep going to 70 half marathons.”
Laura stressed she did not set out to break any world records, her initial focus had instead been to raise funds for the school that provides vital support for her daughter and other children with complex needs.
“I didn’t start out to do a world record breaking attempt, I started to raise money for the school. It was amazing to have the support from the school here today,” she explained.
At no stage did Laura feel like pulling out of her challenge as she recalled: “It was around days 15 to 20 that I felt like I was going to fall asleep on the couch but I think the body adapts.
“Most people who do this type of endurance do slow down but I just kept going. I think there was only a seven minutes difference between my slowest and fastest times.
“My average time was one hour and 46 minutes; my fastest time was one hour, 41 minutes and 28 seconds and my slowest time was one hour, 48 minutes and 41 seconds.
“I have enjoyed it. The whole community has been around this, everybody has been able to share in it. So many people have spoken to me in the gym and they have talked to each other. “
Laura has also been thrilled by her fundraising success. “It was way more than I expected to raise for the school and it was great to see people come together.”
The local woman is certainly not hanging up her running shoes any time soon with her sights on her next challenge, the 26.2 miles of the Belfast City Marathon.
Chris Kelly, Northern Community Leisure Trust contract manager, praised Laura’s efforts.
“Having been involved in fitness for 35 years, to watch somebody complete 61 half marathons on consecutive days is just outstanding,” he said.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can log on to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/half-marathon-streak-for-killard-house-school
