Could you run the Middlesbrough Half Marathon with us?
Running straight through the upcoming winter, our running team is set to take on the Middlesbrough Half Marathon, on the 1st of March. And we’re looking for as many people as possible to join us, do a little fundraising, and support our mission into 2026.
Between June and August, this year, several Recovery Connections staff, ambassadors and volunteers took to the streets to train for the Ali Brownlee Middlesbrough 5k & 10k. Raising almost £1000 in the process, the next steps – and there are many steps ahead – involve doubling up the distance and training for the 21k half marathon.
We have a dozen places available for the event, and these are open to anyone. If you have a passion for what we do, are comfortable raising £200, and preparing for a half marathon – we want to hear from you.
And…
There’s a Junior Race on the day too, in case you have any youngsters who can comfortably run 1k, and fancy supporting the charity too. For this, we’re happy for any fundraising amount possible. Children four and under are encouraged to run with an adult for this race.
Scroll down to read what the running team made of taking part in the 5k and 10k, this year. More than just physical tests—the races became opportunities for personal growth, camaraderie, and making a tangible difference in the community. Here, they celebrate not just the miles they cover, but the meaningful strides they make for causes that touch their hearts.
What has been your most rewarding experience as part of our running team?
Emma: The Team! Getting to know colleagues better. The encouragement, togetherness and support from them.
Ruth: For me, being part of In it for the long run has been truly life-changing. Just two years ago, I was a complete couch potato – I couldn’t have run 10 feet, never mind 10km. To now be at a point where I feel fitter than I ever have in my 43 years is something I never thought possible.
Simon: During busy times, it’s dangerously easy to get used to only your own company, your own ideas, what’s directly in front of you, or what’s next. Being part of a team has refocused me in so many ways, and I’ve naturally found myself spending more time with others, both in and out of work.
Kenny: Completing both the 5k and 10k in great times was fantastic and so rewarding
How did you feel crossing the finish line at the recent 5K or 10K event?
Simon: On both occasions so far, it’s been a genuine surprise to make the finish line! But the 10k in particular felt like a big achievement. To go from no regular exercise to running that distance, comfortably, in just a few months, has been a brilliant experience.
Emma: 5K – Amazing! I was on cloud 9 for days.
10K – Thank goodness for that! And, I am not sure if my wobbly legs will get me any further past this finish line!
Ruth: Crossing the finish line at the recent event was an incredible feeling, but more than that, the whole journey has done wonders for my mental health. Running feels a lot like meditation – once you’re in the zone, everything else fades away, and you find a real sense of peace and focus. It’s been a huge release for me, a way to reset and recharge.
Kenny: Tired but on a high also the crowd were amazing and made it so much easier I thought getting to the finishing line.
In what ways has participating in these events impacted your journey, both physically and mentally?
Simon: I’m sleeping better than I was, more active and focused. I get more done in my spare time. And I’m more confident in myself too. Apart from my jeans being too loose, it’s all positive!
Emma: It has been an amazing experience all round. It has given me focus. And helped me recognise the strength and determination I didn’t realise I had. From a non runner/ non exerciser, I felt my fitness increase. Mentally, much stronger.
Kenny: It has made me take up the running outside of the one we did together. Mentally I feel so motivated now. My colleagues encouraged me to believe that I could complete both runs, especially as there were times in the beginning when my head thought I couldn’t complete the 5k.
How did it feel to contribute to our charitable organisation through your efforts?
Simon: That we’ve collectively contributed some funds to Recovery Connections is brilliant. £900 can go a long way here, and it also shows how supportive friends and family are of what we’ve been doing as a group, and as an organisation.
Emma: It gave me a sense of achievement and something to feel proud of.
Ruth: Another rewarding aspect has been the friendships and team spirit it has created. Working behind the scenes for the charity means I don’t always feel as connected to the giving side of our work as I’d like. But through running, I’ve not only built closer relationships with colleagues, I’ve also been able to contribute in a very tangible way – raising essential funds and awareness around recovery. That has felt deeply rewarding and given me a renewed sense of purpose.
Kenny: It’s so great to have the opportunity to raise money for the organisation for the benefit of others. It will give the opportunity for our community members to be involved in recovery events off the back of the money that was raised. This is a great personal achievement but a really great selfless act and that’s why I did it for others to benefit from it.
What advice or encouragement would you offer to someone considering joining our team or participating in future events?
Simon: The most important thing I’ve done in preparation is, simply, walking. So for the 10k, you know you need to move for an hour. Running it seems like a big challenge – so walk for an hour instead. Your body gets used to it quickly. Then, just aim for really slow running. If you can’t catch your breath, ease off and don’t try to go so fast. In next to no time, the slow run is as easy as the walk, then you can work on getting the pace up.
Emma: Do it!
Ruth: If I can offer one piece of advice to anyone thinking of joining the team, it’s this: if I can do it, then truly anyone can. Don’t be put off by where you’re starting from. The sense of achievement, the improvements to your health, and the knowledge that you’re helping to make a difference all make it worthwhile.
Being part of this has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life, and I’d encourage anyone even slightly considering it to take that first step – you won’t regret it.
Kenny: Getting out of your comfort zone isn’t easy but the benefits of being involved in the running has given me a purpose. It gave me the opportunity to meet new friends and really get to know them. I worked with these people but didn’t really know them. Through doing the running we have had lots of conversations and got to know each other better, and had a great laugh during the build up to all the events. The sense of achievement and seeing the smiles on our faces after completing the 5k and 10k was great. I now have not just work colleagues but friends.
