Kerry smashes charity challenge to run 50 marathons by the age of 50
Kerry Surkitt, 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 to raise funds for Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice, who cared for her best friend Bev.
Passing the finish line
Sales Advisor 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), ranging across routes 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 it on in memory of her best friend Bev, who passed away at Sue Ryder St John’s Hospice in 2008.
To date, Kerry has raised more than £1,800 for the hospice, which cares for local people with life-limiting conditions across Bedfordshire, as well as Huntingdon and St Neots.
“Bev was a very special lady, she was simply the best”
“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.”
Completing the 50th marathon
Kerry completed her 50th marathon at The Suffolk Running Centre, Barrow, earlier this month. But, 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.”
You can help support Kerry on her marathon challenge by donating to her JustGiving page.
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.”
Find out further information on Sue Ryder St John's Hospice, the expert care they provide for those with life-limiting conditions and other ways you can help to support them to be there when it matters.
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 and help Sue Ryder raise vital funds.