Chester triathlete and BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin is taking on a marathon challenge next year to help raise funds for Children in Need.
The mother-of-two is joining her friend and fellow BBC presenter Chris Evans in a three-race challenge by running the New York Marathon on November 6 next year.
Speaking to the Chronicle at the O2 Media Awards at Chester Racecourse on Thursday evening, Louise said: “Chris is an old friend of mine and when I told him I was into triathlon, he convinced me to take part.”
The marathon package, offered in the BBC Radio 2 Children in Need ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction as the Magnificent Seven Marathon Package, has already raised £320,000 for the charity.
Louise and Chris will run the Windsor Half Marathon together, he will tackle the London Marathon in April and she will bite the big apple in New York.
Louise, who represented GB at the ITU World Triathlon Championships in September, has confessed to the Chronicle that running is her least favourite of the three disciplines of triathlon but is receiving advice and help from the University of Chester’s Dr Ceri Nicholas, of the department of clinical sciences and nutrition, who also competed in Chicago.
Speaking after her first session at the Parkgate Road campus this morning, Louise said: “I went through all sorts of tests and despite what I think, apparently I am built to be an endurance runner.”
Asked what her longest run to date is, Louise said: “I did run the Great North Run about 13 years ago - I hated it then and I hate it now!
“To be absolutely honest, I don’t really like the training but I love racing. After this morning’s session at the university though I am incredibly encouraged that I am not as bad as I think I am.
“Everyone says that the New York Marathon is a fantastic experience and that if you are going to run one, this is the one to do. People line the whole route shouting encouragement, which is just what I need.
“And I will also be spurred on knowing I am raising money for Children in Need.”
The only downside of Louise’s new long distance training schedule is that her trusty running companion, Waffle the dog, can no longer keep up with her.
She said: “Waffle is a Labrador and it wouldn’t be good for her to do such long runs. She will still come out with me on the warm ups but then I will have to leave her behind.”
Louise will continue her training at the university throughout the year, which will also include advice on nutrition.
