I’m raising money to support the British Exploring Society by running the Putney & Fulham Half Marathon on Sunday 5th April 2026.
I like hiking.
I don't like running.
I will be running to help provide young people with opportunities to go on expeditions and have life-changing experiences.
In August 2026, I will be heading with the British Exploring Society to Kyrgyzstan's At-Bashi mountain range for a month, participating in an expedition for young people aged 18 to 25. I'm fundraising to support and give back to this fantastic charity that allows young people to go on these expeditions for free along with supplying them with all the necessary equipment if they cannot afford it.
Please sponsor me to run this half marathon and share my page - my current goal is £1500 in public donations. Any donation will help make an impact!
I was lucky growing up to live right next to the beautiful Dartmoor National Park in the UK, being able to participate in the British Army's annual Ten Tors event where young people from ages 14 to 21 tackle the moors in a gruelling yet rewarding 2-day challenge to cover distances of 35, 45 and 55 miles. After 3 years of multiple injuries, team rejections and intense training, I completed the 45 mile challenge back in 2019. I was also fortunate enough to go to a school that supported Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold expeditions, completing my Gold in Snowdonia in 2019 also.
The tough training weekends and the achievement of completing such feats forged such a resilient mindset and confidence in me that I carry to this day. But a lot of young people don't get the opportunity to participate in such things...
The British Exploring Society prepare and take young people on expeditions to remote wilderness locations where they face challenges, gain skills and learn about themselves, as well as acquiring knowledge relevant to their lives and the fragile environments that they explore. The results are transformative – not just in terms of practical skills and resilience, but in a new-found confidence and self-belief which they carry forward to their future life.
Here's a short video to explain more about how the British Exploring Society transforms young people's lives:
I've always been a hiker, not a runner, so this fundraiser half marathon will be an interesting challenge and test of willpower to undertake. Follow my dedicated Instagram page @caitlin_attempts_to_run for weekly progress updates on my training.
Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.
Want to join me in making a difference?