On 30th November, four members of the K2 team and the extended K2 Family will be taking part in the Florence Marathon to raise funds for the K2 Foundation.
As the team get set to take on this famous European endurance challenge, we asked them to share a bit about their inspiration for signing up, their personal goals, and what about the event they’re most looking forward to.
Hugh Rutledge, Friend of K2 (and son of K2’s Executive Business Director, Richard Rutledge)
What inspired you to sign up for the Florence Marathon?
It’s a bucket list item for me.
Do you have a personal goal?
To cross the line and make my family and peers proud!
What’s the longest training run you’ve done so far?
17 miles, which I did in 3 hours 30 minutes.
What’s your ultimate running tune?
Listening to any sort of jungle keeps me going when I’m running.
What’s your favourite pre-run fuel?
A fruit smoothie with some electrolytes.
Have you ever received any helpful running tips?
Interval training was a great tip from my Dad – it made the shorter training runs and hill sprints much easier. Finding the balance between pushing yourself and preventing injury is key to training for a run like this, in my opinion.
What are you most looking forward to about running through Florence?
The amazing scenic views of the city.
If you could run alongside any famous person (past or present), who would it be and why?
Retired Strongman Eddie Hall, as I think I would just about be able to get a better time than him!
If marathon training were a movie, what would the title of yours be?
Marathon Mulligan
What’s your favourite running route and why?
The 10k Horsley Loop – it’s home turf and a route I’m very familiar with.
Luke Charter, Senior Business Analyst, K2
What inspired you to sign up for the Florence Marathon?
After participating in Ride Across Britain for the K2 Foundation, I was looking for my next big challenge, and I’ve always wanted to run a marathon.
Do you have a personal goal?
Yes, I would like to do a sub-4 hours marathon and beat my Mum’s time!
What’s the longest training run you’ve done so far?
A 15k – I might need to up that number sooner rather than later!
What’s your ultimate running tune?
Anything 80s and upbeat works for me – ‘Take on Me’ by A-ha is a favourite.
What’s your favourite pre-run fuel?
It’s hard to beat a big bowl of pasta, but a little Biscoff Trek bar is a nice back-up.
Have you ever received any helpful running tips?
You have to run slow to run fast – it makes no sense but it does work!
What are you most looking forward to about running through Florence?
The fact that I’ll be spending time in my favourite city in Italy, plus the prospect of the post-marathon pasta party – who wouldn’t be excited about that!
If you could run alongside any famous person (past or present), who would it be and why?
It would have to be a comedian who could provide me with 4 hours of distraction! Jim Carrey or Robin Williams ought to do the trick!
If marathon training were a movie, what would the title of yours be?
Tough question, either ‘Lord of the Runs’ or ‘I thought They said Rum’.
What’s your favourite running route and why?
So far, I have done many laps of Tooting Common, but running along the Southbank is much nicer, especially if you catch a sunrise or sunset!
Stuart McCully, Group Billing Manager, K2
What inspired you to sign up for the Florence Marathon?
The opportunity to raise money for the K2 Foundation and explore a brand-new city in a way that I don’t normally do!
Do you have a personal goal?
Try not to run the wrong way! Be more prepared for this challenge than I was for Ride Across Britain last year!
What’s the longest training run you’ve done so far?
37k…4 years ago! 15k so far this month.
What’s your ultimate running tune?
‘My Hero’ – Foo Fighters
What’s your favourite pre-run fuel?
A Carbonara or a pizza!
Have you ever received any helpful running tips?
Yes – put one foot in front of the other, repeatedly and at a quick pace. Sage advice from my Dad!
What are you most looking forward to about running through Florence?
Exploring the city in a new way, trying to take in the beautiful scenery and architecture.
If you could run alongside any famous person (past or present), who would it be and why?
A tough question… If we are talking about running, then a man called Russ Cook. Not known to many probably, but he was recently the first person to run the length of Africa. I would love to pick his brain on how you stay motivated day after day, as well as explore his attitude to/mindset when it comes to life.
If marathon training were a movie, what would the title of yours be?
‘The Longest Yard’ – one of my favourite films and a very apt name for how some of my long runs feel!
What’s your favourite running route and why?
Running around the village where my parents live. I get to see all of the places where I grew up: my old school, old football club, and the house that my Grandma used to live in. All good memories.
Will Mead, Friend of K2
What inspired you to sign up for the Florence Marathon?
I’ve applied to London for the last 6 years or so without success, so I thought I would look into Europe and why not a city that I hadn’t been to before!
Do you have a personal goal?
Anything under 4 hours
What’s the longest training run you’ve done so far?
28k
What’s your ultimate running tune?
It has to be ‘Feel the Love’ by Rudimental.
What’s your favourite pre-run fuel?
Double Espresso and overnight oats
Have you ever received any helpful running tips?
Don’t do more than 20% of your training at race pace – it’ll help avoid burnout.
What are you most looking forward to about running through Florence?
Seeing the whole city as I have never been there before! And experiencing the famous crowd throughout the run – that will be my highlight.
If you could run alongside any famous person (past or present), who would it be and why?
David Attenborough – I would just lock into the run and be fuelled by the amazing stories he has to offer. Also, his voice would keep me relaxed!
If marathon training were a movie, what would the title of yours be?
The Long Slow Burn
What’s your favourite running route and why?
Down the Thames Path from Wandsworth to Waterloo and back – it offers the perfect scenery to take my mind off the pain in my legs.
All money raised by the team will go to the K2 Foundation and the projects it supports. From funding schooling in Brazil to football coaching in the UK, the aim of the K2 Foundation is to support the lives of children in the regions where K2 operates. If you would like to make a donation, head over to the team’s JustGiving page here.
