Staff at a local charity have been celebrating success at the Brighton Marathon on two fronts.
Rockinghorse, based in Prince Albert Street, Brighton, expects to receive an £80,000 boost from the 155 runners who ran for the children’s charity in the race on Sunday (10 April).
And one of the Rockinghorse runners came in hot on the heels of the elite runners to finish 18th.
Kevin Rojas, 29, who lives in Brighton, completed the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours 48 minutes – half an hour behind the winner.
Mr Rojas was running for Rockinghorse for the first time and said: “I have been very fortunate so far in my life to not be personally attached to any charity.”
He said that he suffered no personal loss or illness.
He added: “It is because of this that I was able to simply attach myself to run for a local based charity – Rockinghorse – and the 2011 Brighton Marathon was the perfect setting.
“After running several marathons I can say that running for a charity gives it a whole different dimension.
“The energy, support and overall buzz is amazing.
“I very much enjoyed feeling part of a team, knowing there was always a cheer a few miles ahead.
Memorable
“I felt that the better the result, the more I could help raise and the more memorable the Rockinghorse vest would be.
“I have now gathered much more knowledge and appreciation towards Rockinghorse, how important it is and how much heart and effort goes into it every day.
“I cannot stress how fortunate people are to have organisations like these in times of need and I feel proud to have been a small part of it for at least just one day.
“Thank you very much Rockinghorse for helping motivate me and many other runners.
“I hope to have done you proud.
“You certainly made those miles shorter!”
Rockinghorse said that it had already benefited from £40,000 from this year’s event, with runners being given a month to collect their sponsorship money.
Proud
Emma Millar, Rockinghorse’s challenge events fundraiser, said: “We are so proud of all our runners for achieving such an amazing challenge – especially in the heat.
“We couldn’t believe it when Kevin whizzed past us at the finish line.
“He’s an inspiration to us all.
“Thank you to all our runners for their support – the money raised will make an enormous difference to the sick and disabled children we help.”
Registration for next year’s marathon on Sunday 15 April is now open and Rockinghorse has a number of charity places available.
To sign up for a place call Emma Millar on 01273 730286 or email emma.millar@rockinghorse.org.uk.
To download a registration form visit http://www.rockinghorse.org.uk/events/marathons/brighton-marathon.
There is a £50 registration fee and applicants must pledge to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship.
