On Sunday 22nd November hundreds of fundraisers will be running and walking 10K as part of a virtual Run with the Rhinos team to raise money for Leeds Rhinos Foundation and the Rob Burrow fund.
Along with Rhinos legends Kevin Sinfield, Barrie McDermott and Jamie Jones-Buchanan runners from across the country have also pledged to do a 10K, including Dave Smith who will be taking art near his home in Carlisle after being inspired by Rob Burrow’s story.
“I was not a massive runner before this year to be fair, and I struggled a bit with road running.” explained Dave. “When I saw the documentary on Rob Burrow though I decoded that I was going to set myself the challenge of running a 10K. I am the kind of person where I need a target to aim for and that helps motivate me, so I started training for it at the gym and they were getting behind me. I did a 10K on the treadmill to test myself and training was going well but then of course the gyms had to close again recently.
“I started running outside and have been challenging myself to go further each day. When I did the 10K in the gym I did it in one hour twenty and I am quite competitive so I am pushing myself to beat that time.
“I am working from home and I go for a run at lunch time so it’s a nice way to break the day up and I’ve done a 3 mile and a 4 mile run this week, so hopefully I am on track for Sunday..”
Dave signed up for the Run with the Rhinos Reimagined event after watching the ‘My Year with MND’ documentary about Rhinos legend Rob Burrow. Although not a Rhinos fan, Dave said he was compelled to do something after seeing Rob’s battle with the disease.
“I played Rugby Union and have followed Doddie Weir’s journey with MND following his diagnosis,” he said. “I then saw that Rob had also been diagnosed last year with it too at just 37. I think his reaction has been remarkable and the way he is tackling it, putting his family first, whilst also raising awareness for MND is an inspiration. I am proud to be able to do this run to support him. I have set a target for £1000 and have already raised nearly half so I hope I am able to reach the target by Sunday.”
If you would like to sponsor Dave visit his fundraising page by CLICKING HERE
JOIN THE WITH RUN WITH THE RHINOS RE-IMAGINED TEAM
To get involved with the Run with the Rhinos event CLICK HERE to find out more.
JOIN THE STRAVA RUN WITH THE RHINOS GROUP
All those taking part can test their times against fellow runners by joining the Run with the Rhinos running group by CLICKING HERE