As the leaves turn and autumn begins to settle in, CAFOD’s fantastic community of runners are lacing up their shoes for an exciting season of races. From city streets to race tracks, our runners are taking on challenges to raise funds and awareness for communities around the world.
First up we have Andrew completing his Chester Triple with a marathon on Sunday. He has already completed a 10k and a half marathon. It's been an incredible journey for Andrew and he's very much looking forward to putting his feet up afterwards!
Andrew is completing the Chester Triple Series
The following weekend, five incredible CAFOD runners will take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon, one of the UK’s most picturesque running events. Winding through London’s stunning Royal Parks and past historic landmarks, the race offers both challenge and inspiration.
Peter, one of the team, explains why he runs for CAFOD:
"Three years ago my wife came home from a parish justice and peace group meeting and announced that she had volunteered me to run the London Landmarks Half Marathon for CAFOD. I am not a runner, but enjoy hill walking and mountain biking, usually in Wales. I completed this with a reasonable time and raised a fantastic amount for the charity, so thought it was about time I had another attempt as it is good to have a target to keep fit.
"I contacted my friends at CAFOD and they were able to offer me a place on their team in the Royal Parks Half Marathon 2025! This is quite a prestigious event, and entrance is usually via a lottery, so I was fortunate to have a guaranteed place in the charity’s team. As you can see from the picture below I like walking up hills. I often visit the Black Mountains area in Wales.
"My benchmark for training has been running to and climbing Ysgyryd Fawr (Big Skirrid), a round trip of 8km climbing 357 metres. It's also known as the Holy Mountain or Sacred Hill, with local legends linking a landslide to the crucifixion of Jesus. 'Ysgyryd' means 'to shake' or 'to tremble'. I hope this will be good preparation for running on the flat. It's a lot harder going uphill!"
We can’t wait to be there on the day to cheer them on!
Peter is running the Royal Parks Half Marathon
Later in the month, four CAFOD runners will head to Leicester for the Run Leicester Half Marathon, including James Jevon:
“This is my third time running for CAFOD now and it’s always just such a joy. The events themselves are always great and the fundraising can be a chance to do some really fun things in your community to drum up support. It’s also good motivation to keep up exercising (which I know I certainly need sometimes) and the icing on the cake, of course, is that all the while you’re raising money for an excellent charity that makes a real difference to the lives of people living in poverty.
"My advice to anyone considering running for CAFOD would be to absolutely go for it because a better world really does need all of us."
We’re so grateful to James and all our Leicester runners for combining their love of running with their commitment to supporting CAFOD’s mission.
James is running the Leicester Half Marathon
Finally, November will see CAFOD return to one of our favourite events, the Run Fest Silverstone at the iconic Formula 1 circuit. Known for its electric atmosphere and fast, flat course, it’s always a highlight of the running calendar.
This year, we’re hoping to field our biggest team yet, with at least 15 runners signed up to take part. In previous years, we’ve seen nuns and teachers, first-time runners and seasoned athletes, all coming together to run the extra mile for CAFOD.
Among those joining will be familiar faces like Sisters Lynne FCJ and MaryAnne FCJ, who are lacing up their shoes for the Silverstone 5K once again. Both sisters bring incredible spirit and dedication, showing how running for CAFOD is about much more than crossing the finish line.
For Sister Lynne, it’s about connecting her training with her values:
“I'm looking forward to this year's Silverstone Run Fest because CAFOD is such a worthwhile charity and the Run Fest was good fun, a real community event and a personal challenge!”
Sister MaryAnne reflects on her own journey, which started with the Couch to 5K programme:
“Joining the CAFOD Silverstone team was a bit of personal challenge. I had not yet run 5k and had only just started running. The fact that it was in the iconic location of Silverstone added a bit of glamour to it! Supporting CAFOD was a no-brainer. I have supported their campaigns and used their resources for many years both in school as well as in my own FCJ community.
“I will run again this year for CAFOD with a group of FCJ sisters and friends. Let's hope the weather is kinder this year!"
Whether it’s running or cheering from the side-lines, every contribution makes a real difference. Together, we are helping to create a fairer world, one step at a time. If you'd be interested in running for CAFOD, please email events@cafod.org.uk.
