"I did it, but I don't know how!" Those are the words of our Assistant Marketing Manager, Kenika Gumbs, after completing the Cancer Research UK Race4Life.
Kenika and our HR Manager, Carole Hamnett-Sadler, both completed the 5k course at Heaton Park in Prestwich - a memorable occasion for both, but for very different reasons.
For Carole, it marked more than 20 years since she started entering the Cancer Research UK fundraiser.
But for Kenika, finishing was a triumph over adversity after being taken ill in the week leading up to the event, including a trip to the hospital, and then having to contend with hot weather on the day and an even hillier course than 2024.
"It was a struggle for me," says Kenika. "It was really hot, which made it even harder; I thought I'm ill, it's hot and the route has changed to make it even more difficult. Luckily, I'd bought some energy gels, and they helped me."
Despite her struggles Kenika managed to finish the race in 45 minutes, with Carole just a few minutes behind.
Carole agreed that the going was tough but adds: "I'm really proud to have done the race so many times. Who would have thought it when I did my first all those years ago? Now I'm looking forward to next year!"
The pair were among hundreds of runners estimated to have raised £300k on the day. Kenika is fast approaching her fundraising target of £150 while Carole has so far raised £115, taking her total to more than £9,000 over the last 20 years.
Carole says: "When I first started running it, it was in Alexandra Park in Oldham. Then it moved to Bolton and now to Heaton Park. If I can still do it at my age, I'd encourage everyone to have a go, and thanks to Kenika for joining me again."
Now Kenika and Carole are hoping to encourage more colleagues to join them next year.
"I'd love for a group of us to do it together," says Kenika. "It's all for such a good cause and it's a great event."
To make a donation towards Carole's run, visit her fundraising page here.
If you'd like to sponsor Kenika, you will find her page here.