Marathon win - with a difference

A keen, young fell and cross country runner has come up with a winning design for the 10th anniversary marathon medal for the Brathay Windermere Marathon, the 10in10 and a new Brathay Half Marathon.

Eight-year old Freddie Dixon, from Hawkshead School, created the design that will appear on thousands of medals being presented to those who complete Brathay Trust’s 2016 ‘10in10’ – ten marathons in ten days –Windermere Marathon and a new Brathay Half Marathon.

Freddie, whose family all run and who support the charity’s marathon runners each year, said he was pleased and excited to win. He received a plaque with his design, a gift token and torch from Paul Dewar, who is running the 10in10 next year as part of a 21 day fundraising triathlon for Brathay. Paul was able to show the youngsters his medals from his 2012 challenge and thank them for their encouragement and support.

Brathay’s Sarah Thompson, who co-ordinated the competition with the school, said: “Every year Hawkshead school children come out to cheer on the 10-in-10 runners who pass their school each day. Their enthusiasm and support has a huge impact on the runners at time when they really need that morale boost.

“It’s been wonderful to have their help again in designing a special anniversary medal. The children created the designs in their art lessons with Mrs Bellis and as a result we had over 20 great entries to choose from. Freddie should be really proud of his winning design. ”

Head teacher Mrs Hallam explained that it was important that pupils got involved in community events to learn about making a difference and to develop their citizenship skills. She also said that pupils were keen on the PE and sports activities and the school had several very good runners.

Pictured: Paul Dewar with Freddie Dixon