Staffordshire-based Claire Calladine, who worked at Riviera Travel before launching her own travel business three years ago, has taken on the gruelling challenge to raise funds for charity in her dad Sean’s memory.
Sean was involved in a serious cycling crash in Majorca in 2018, which resulted in a year-long hospital stay and subsequently led to him developing dementia. He died last year.
Claire will turn 50 next month, and thought it was a good time to attempt the feat. Starting on New Year's Day, Claire has so far completed 35 marathons, and will double up during her birthday week.
Claire Calladine pictured with her late father Sean (Credit: Claire Calladine)
She plans to complete her final 26.2-mile run on 6 December with as many as friends, family and supporters as possible cheering her on, with a party to follow. The challenge comprises organised marathons and runs carried out locally in her own time.
Claire is fundraising for Dementia UK as well as industry charity Reuben’s Retreat, which supports families with sick children or who have experienced child loss. She has so far raised just shy of £2,500 – half of her target amount.
Claire turns 50 this year and will run two marathons during her birthday week (Credit: Claire Calladine)
Already an experienced runner, Claire said she wanted to take on a challenge she would find truly difficult. “I’ve got sore hip flexors – it’s not been easy,” she told TTG.
On Saturday (13 September), Claire completed two marathons between 10am and midnight during a "Backyard Ultra" – a 4.2-mile loop during which participants run on the hour, every hour. It only finishes when there’s just one runner left.
'He's my why'
Claire was very close to her dad, who she describes as “a glass half-full kind of man”. As a keen sportsman himself, she wanted to take on a challenge that he would have understood. Claire characterised her father as an excellent cyclist who broke time trial records while competing in the 1960s and 1970s.
"Dad got me into triathlons – he just loved it all,” said Claire. “He was so inspiring and stayed active even after the accident left him brain damaged.
Claire's father Sean was a keen cyclist who competed in time trials in the 1960s and 1970s (Credit: Claire Calladine)
"He was only given a 2% chance of survival, but he always wanted to get better. He’s my why, and that’s what gets me through the runs.”
Asked how she fits in her runs around her busy job as a travel agent, Claire joked: “Well, I don’t have kids. I get up early and tell my partner, 'see you in five hours!'" She usually plans her runs for the weekend.
How to support Claire
Claire said she has been touched by the support she's been offered, such as sponsorship from a local physiotherapist who has been helping her recover between runs, and a local running shop which is supporting her with her nutrition.
Anyone wishing to support Claire and the causes for which he's taking on her inspirational challenge can do so via her fundraising page.
Claire is also holding a fundraising “Empowerment Experience Day” on 29 November, which will feature activities including glass and fire walking. People can book onto these for a fee.
