Leap with Libbie at the Mad March Hare

With less than 2 months to the 11th Mad March Hare which takes place on Sunday 25th March, Libbie Sheppard’s training is full steam ahead! Libbie, who came to running 2 years ago, had a very poignant trigger to put running shoes on for the first time.

“Two years ago, a young friend of mine died.  A few of us had the job of cleaning her house and there, in her wardrobe, was a pair of very smart almost new running shoes, which were my size!  I thought that this was a little message to me, that I needed to take these shoes and do the running that she had wanted to do before she developed cancer”, says Libbie.

So, at the tender age of 68, Libbie joined a couch to 5k course at Swindon Shin Splints, in her ‘borrowed’ running shoes and was very quickly hooked!

Last year, the Mad March Hare was Libbie’s first 10k and she ran the whole course wearing bunny ears!  She fitted in very well with the Mad March Hare whacky dress theme, which is something that helps to endear the event so much with such a wide audience.  Whilst its aims are serious – to encourage people to get out and get active and at the same time, raising money for the Breast Cancer Now charity - the approach is very informal and fun! Turn up in running kit, comfy walking gear and/or fancy dress and you will fit in perfectly!

The Mad March Hare is a great first event as it welcomes people of all ages and abilities to get out and enjoy taking exercise.  Now in its 11th year, it has raised over £100,000 for Breast Cancer Now and has become very well known in the Swindon community.  There are 2 courses – 5 and 10k and they both start and finish at Lydiard Park Academy.  Walkers, joggers and runners are all welcome.  Families are encouraged to turn out and complete the course together and family canine pets are also welcome! 

For Libbie, it was also a training stepping stone in her quest to complete a half marathon before she turned 70.  This, she achieved, last September!  “I have now achieved my goal and am continuing while I feel fit and well and ‘mad as a march hare!’”.

To take part, either on the day, or in a virtual capacity, or to volunteer at the event please log on to http://www.madmarchhare.org.uk/, email at [email protected] or call 0845 6808064.