It’s a place better known for fast cars and bikes, but two local Andover men took to Thruxton race circuit on foot and ran as fast they could, for very personal reasons.
Jason Chapman, who’s 41, and Chris Machin, who’s 39, set themselves the track challenge with a team to raise money for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity that supports bereaved children of soldiers.
The men, both from Andover, chose the charity as Jason has strong links with the founder.
Jason said: “I was Nikki Scott’s, the founder of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, welfare sergeant when her husband Lee was killed in Afghanistan, and I was part of the support team for her family.
“My wife and I have been involved with the charity from the beginning and spend most of our weekends attending events around the county as Hampshire co-ordinators.”
The race which involved four laps of the course – and covered about 9.4 miles – was hosted by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance who are based at the nearby airfield.
Jason and Chris both beat their own challenges: Chris’s target was to complete the race without walking, and Jason to finish in less than 1 hour 15 minutes.
Jason said: “We really enjoyed the day, and have even recruited new people to take part next year!”
Between them, Jason and Chris raised £416.50 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, and have even signed up for the Great South Run in October.
Both men trained for their run at Andover Leisure Centre, using equipment such as cross-trainers, treadmills and rowing machines.
Teri Wilson, gym and studio coordinator at Andover Leisure Centre said: “We’re really pleased that Jason and Chris did so well, and their hard work in the gym has paid off. We can’t wait to see them back training for their next challenge!“
