Blog

by Sophia Greenblatt

Anna Harding, a woman in her thirties who has run eight marathons, just completed the most challenging marathon she has ever run – in her backyard. In an effort to raise money for the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Harding ran close to 2,000 full laps in her mother’s backyard near London. She found this marathon extra difficult because the scenery around her was mundane and because every ten steps she had to slow herself down as she was turning around. Harding ran the whole marathon in a little over six hours, crossing the finish line which was crafted out of toilet paper. This was the hardest marathon she has ever completed, which is why it took her longer than normal. Her best pace was in Amsterdam where she finished the marathon in less than four hours. 

Harding was motivated to complete this unusual marathon by keeping in mind the front-line workers who are working hard and putting their lives at risk. Completing the marathon felt very rewarding for her and she hopes that the marathon inspires people to remain at home in order to stop the spread of coronavirus. She said, “That message of ‘stay at home’ probably couldn’t be any clearer than stay at home and run in your backyard.” 

Kudos to Harding and to the important message she is spreading! We continue to pray for all of those affected by the coronavirus and for their families. We also continue to pray for the safety and health of all of the heroic front-line workers. 

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Living/woman-ran-marathon-backyard-raise-money-covid-19/story?id=70364417