Peter's Ultra Marathon Success

8 August 2024

Peter, from the DVSA, completed the Flyde Coast Runners Castle to Castle ultra marathon in July, taking on 36 miles from Lancaster Castle to Clitheroe Castle. This involved 3,684 feet of elevation across a mixed terrain of fell track, farm land, cycle paths and country roads. Peter had already completed three marathons, ten half marathons and many other races but this was, by far, his biggest challenge to date.

Peter has worked for the Civil Service for eight years and was introduced to the Charity through a workplace presentation in December last year. He was taken aback by the incredible work of the Charity and personally found the Well being Toolkit and Thrive app a great help.

Having previously raised money for other charities through his running, he became passionate about supporting the Charity for Civil Servants as well as raising awareness of our work.

Peter spoke with Sandra about the event and what completing it meant to him.

Peter you have totally smashed your fundraising target of £500 for the Charity and we’re incredibly grateful to have been part of your fundraising journey. What do all these donations mean to you and what would you like to say to your supporters?

I would like to thank every last one of them – they’re amazing. It’s not just seeing the money coming in, but also how much that money can help the Charity to support other people is incredible. Also, everyone who donated has dropped a little message as well, wishing me good luck and a couple of people calling me crazy for doing the distance! One of the comments said they felt inspired to go out running too. It’s just great to see so many people getting behind the Charity and that’s what it’s all about. So just thank you to everyone – it’s been amazing and you’ve been brilliant.

During your ultra marathon, you faced many challenges. What kept you motivated?

Stemming back from the first conversation that we had, which I think was about three or four weeks prior to the race we talked about how I was struggling with certain things and how positive you were towards me. And then, leading up to the event, the Charity was sharing my social media posts, they were really encouraging me. Complimenting me on the runs and telling me to keep going was amazing.

Then with the Instagram and Facebook post on the Friday, the day before the event. The Charity posted a video of me and the way it was put together, with so much encouragement and so much support, just boosted my mood it was unbelievable. I wasn’t expecting it as I was full of nerves and anxiety. Then to see Cecilia’s video was even better because she’s just got such a high positive energy and she is a really inspiring and an incredible person.

I was doing the Ultra Marathon for the Charity; to help boost their profile and obviously raise funds to help people, but genuinely I couldn’t have done it without the support from the Charity 100%.

During the race remembering why I’m doing it, obviously I’ve got my own personal targets, but it’s not all about me. There are other people who are in bad positions who need help, need support and the Charity is phenomenal. I’ve been taken aback by everything leading up to the race, and then the messages after the race – it’s just been amazing!

What was the highlight of your ultra marathon and would you do it again?

That’s the craziest thing with these runs. Immediately after the run finished, my first thought was – why do I do this to myself? Why do I put myself through this and sitting in the car on the way home? I felt so tired, hungry, but not in the mood for eating – all these negative thoughts. But they only lasted about an hour. And then I’m thinking what’s the next challenge?

Personally, I’m not the kind of person to say that I’m someone that is inspiring or positive. But to see so many messages and videos and emails saying I am inspiring and I am positive and what I’m doing is incredible. That’s what kept me going, because to hear that, it’s not something I think about myself.

I started the running for me and it was never about helping other people at the start. But as I’ve gone on and especially during fundraising for the Charity to hear so much positivity come my way, has given me such a boost.

What would you say to someone who has never run before and was thinking of supporting the Charity. What would your advice be?

Just do it! If it’s running great. I’ve spoken to a few people in my team who’ve recently taken up running and doing 5k runs or running their first mile. They’re thinking, that’s a short distance, because they’re comparing it to what other people are doing. But it’s about your journey and about what you’re doing. And if that’s a huge step for you, then that’s a huge personal achievement for what you’re setting out to do.

If you’ve never run a 5k before and you’re thinking of running your first 5k then get involved, it will be an incredible achievement for you. It’s all about supporting the Charity, fundraising, your personal journey, it’s amazing for your physical health and a million times better for your mental health too. And if anyone needs any motivation with taking up their first running challenge, then I would be happy to support them!

Whether you want to do something fun or adventurous or silly to raise money for the Charity, we’re here for you. If you have any questions, or need help, just drop us a line. Email us at fundraise@cfcs.org.uk or give us a call on 0800 056 2424.