An inspiring runner from St Neots has been racking up the medals completing 50 marathons before she turns 50 and now she’s aiming for 100.
Sales Adviser Kerry Surkitt, 47, ran her first marathon in Milton Keynes in 2016.
Since then, she has passed the finish line on 49 other marathons of varying distances all over the UK, including an ultra-marathon of 48 miles and a 100k run (62 miles).
This includes marathons in Brighton, Manchester, Windermere and Snowdonia.
With three years still to go until she turns 50, determined Kerry has set herself a fresh challenge of completing 50 more marathons by then.
She was inspired to take on the challenge in memory of her best friend Bev, who passed away at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in Moggerhanger near Bedford in 2008.
To date, Kerry has raised more than £1,800 for the Bedfordshire hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting conditions as well as supporting their families.
“Bev was a very special lady, she was simply the best,” said Kerry. “Bev always enjoyed her respite stays at the hospice; the staff were wonderful and we were always made to feel welcome.
“I wanted to support Sue Ryder in memory of Bev. I know the hospice relies on donations to help keep its vital services running to their full potential.”
Kerry completed her 50th marathon at The Suffolk Running Centre, Barrow, earlier this month.
Rather than put her feet up for a well-deserved rest, she is not stopping there and plans to run another three marathons at the beginning of October. She is now an associate member of the ‘100 Marathon Club’.
“It felt amazing to reach my goal,” Kerry added. “Thank you to all the ladies from KJ RUNNING BUDDIES, the ladies-only running group I set up five years ago with my friend Jenine Cooper. Without them I don’t think I would have had the determination I do to keep running all those miles or raise the money I have.”
Ellie Burke, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, said: “Thank you so much to Kerry for her support – we are really impressed by her grit and determination to complete 50 marathons. We want to wish her lots of luck with her next incredible challenge of running 50 more! The vital funds Kerry has raised will help us be there when it matters for local families and continue to offer our compassionate end of life care and bereavement support.
“If you are inspired by Kerry’s story, why not take on your own running challenge? We are searching for people to lace up their trainers and take on the December Daily Dash, a challenge to run, walk or jog 5k every day for a month. Register now at www.decemberdailydash.com”
You can support Kerry through JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-surkitt10
To find out more about taking on a challenge for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, contact the fundraising team on stjohnsfundraising@sueryder.org or 01767 642 412.
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