On 6th October, a number of teams from Hillier will be swapping pruning gear for running gear as they take part in the Clarendon Marathon. The 26.2 mile run stretches from Salisbury all the way to Winchester, the birth city of Hillier all the way back in 1864.

The Hillier Wholesale Nurseries division of the company will be fielding a team of four, who will work together to complete the full marathon as a relay. The Hillier Nurseries team includes avid runner Charles Carr and slightly less avid runners Emma Fell, Dan Thacker and George Bailey.

“The Clarendon was the first half marathon that I completed in 2017,” says Charles. “It is a wonderful but challenging course through beautiful countryside. Last year I took on the challenge of the full marathon, but inadequate training led to a DNF at 17miles!

This year seemed like a perfect opportunity to get a Hillier relay team together to raise funds for Maggie’s.  I have offered to run leg three and can then continue to Winchester to make up a half marathon – we have a mixed team and this will be challenge for everyone but a great achievement.”

“Usually, the only exercise I get is walking from the sofa to the fridge, so this will be a real challenge for me!,” adds Emma Fell. “I have been working hard in preparation and will be doing the last leg into Winchester where the ambulance will be waiting for me!”

Also entering are a number of staff members from Hillier Garden Centre Newbury. Running the marathon as a relay team are Lindsay Wilson, Viv Kearly, Rosemary McDonald and Johanna Cotton. Completing the half marathon solo is Steve Harrison. And, tackling the full 26.2 miles is Vince Page.

“I have done a considerable number of races this year – Clarendon will be my 9th marathon and I also ran the South Downs 100 in support of Maggie’s” says Vince Page. “I am looking forward to supporting Hillier, all our runners including the teams from Newbury and of course Maggie’s,”

All money raised by the teams will be in support of Maggie’s Centres, the charity partner of Hillier for 2019-20. Maggie’s provides free practical, emotional and social support to anyone with any type of cancer – and to their family and friends too – at their 22 centres across the UK and abroad. They are currently building a centre in Southampton, bringing their invaluable care to the south.

Runners can also look forward to the friendly faces of several Hillier people manning one of the aid stations along the way.

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