Last week Team Health Rewards took part in our ‘Virtual 5K’ for RODS Racing (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome.) The RODS mission is to help promote a positive image of Down syndrome and create awareness for the adoption of orphans with the condition. They do this by raising grant funds, one child at a time, through athletics races and awareness event – anything from a 5K walk to a triathlon or marathon.

The virtual 5K was organised by PT Mollie and her colleagues at UK Fitness Bloggers.  A virtual race is one in which you run the designated distance whenever and wherever you want. You don’t need to go to a particular place on a specific date to earn your medal.

The benefit of the virtual 5K is that anyone can take part anywhere across the country at any
time. You don’t have to go to a designated area at a specific time. This can be beneficial for fundraising for charity as you can end up with people taking part all over the country.

The Team decided to run from our office in the East End of Glasgow to The Peoples Palace in Glasgow Green and back through the city centre. In true Glasgow fashion it was a cold, wet and windy day but the team were spurred on by the fact we were running for a great cause. We were very happy with our finishing time of around the 30 minute mark. With none of us being regular runners it was a good effort!

Martin, our director, was unable to attend the run with the team due to work commitments. So on a freezing cold Saturday morning, with storms forecast, he made his way to the ParkRun at Strathclyde Park to join up with other committed runners.

In what can only be described as 4 seasons weather – snow, rain, hail, sun- Martin finished in a very respectable 33 minutes. Watch his video diary below for the evidence of the weather!

Despite the conditions, we really enjoyed the challenge set for us by PT Mollie to fundraise for RODS. Fundraising through sporting activity is a great way to raise money for charity whilst encouraging people to become more active and healthy at the same time. We look forward to the next challenge!