A hamstring injury for Bob Bowman has forced the Leeds Rhinos Foundation Director of Operations to miss two marathons in his 15 In 15 Challenge, but he has pledged to fight through the pain barrier to complete the final five marathons on his way back to Headingley Carnegie.
Bowman completed eight marathons over eight consecutive days, but on day nine did not pass the pre-run fitness assessment and was ruled out for that days run. On Monday morning after two days recuperation, Bowman vowed to get back running and complete the final five marathons, that will finish at Headingley Carnegie ahead of the Rhinos game against Warrington Wolves.
Speaking about the challenge so far Bowman said: “I am hugely disappointed to have had to pull out of the Brathay 10 in 10. Unfortunately an injury to my hamstring meant that I was unable to take part in day 9.
Although I am saddened that I have not been able to complete the 15 marathons, I am extremely proud to have eight medals from the first eight marathons and will now push on to do the final five.
“The two-day break has given time for my injury to recover a little and I am now determined to battle through and run the last five marathons and finish at Headingley Carnegie on Friday. This has been an extremely tough challenge and each day has brought different tests, physically and mentally, I know the next five days will not be easy but I am ready to face the final hurdles and finish strong. I would like to thank all the people who have supported me on this challenge so far, that has really helped me through some tough times and I hope I will be able to make them proud and finish on Friday in front of the Rhinos crowd.”
One message of support during the challenge came from former Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield who said: “After completing my first marathon this year I know how physically demanding it is and how tough it is for your body to recover, so for Bob to have done that for eight consecutive days is an amazing achievement. I am sure he will be disappointed to have not completed all 15 marathons, but he should be proud of what he has achieved and I am full of admiration that he is determined to put this adversity behind him and get back out running, despite his injury, to complete another five marathons. Well done Bob and good luck for the remainder of the challenge.”
If you would like to sponsor Bob visit his donation page https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/bobbowman15epicdays or alternatively you can text donate using BQPM50 (followed by the amount you want to donate) to 70070