Herefordshire lady runs 50 park runs for 'Be More Frank'

Kerry Rowlatt said the idea for her challenge was born from a New Year’s Eve discussion with her son. Having run 24 park runs over the past seven years, he dared Ms Rowlatt to get to 50 park runs by her 50th birthday. Despite her initial reaction being very sceptical, Ms Rowlatt accepted the challenge, leaving her only 29 weeks to hit her birthday target of July 20.

Ms Rowlatt with her and Frank Cleal's family. (Image: Kerry Rowlatt)

“I’m not naturally a runner, so decided to mark the challenge by raising money for ‘Be More Frank’” – a charity set up for families whose children have cancer, after founders Emma and Eddie Cleal lost their son, Frank, to the disease in June 2021 at the age of just 13 years old.

Ms Rowlatt took on her running challenge in aid of Be More Frank. (Image: Kerry Rowlatt)

Recounting her park run journey, Ms Rowlatt “got up New Year’s Day, turned up just before 9am, completing the park run 5K in just over 36 minutes.  Slow and steady was key, but I found it truly exhausting!” 

Ms Rowlatt with her lovely family on her 50th birthday. (Image: Kerry Rowlatt)

Fast forward seven months, Ms Rowlatt was still “on course,” imploring others thinking of trying a parkrun to “just turn up” and “give it your best shot”. Hereford parkrun’s “a really supportive place,” she said.

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On July 20, Ms Rowlatt’s birthday and the day of her 50th parkrun had arrived, with Frank’s mum, Emma Cleal, running the 5K with her in support of the challenge.

Kerry completed her 50 by 50 challenge! (Image: Kerry Rowlatt)

“Not my usual start to a birthday, but it felt like a great achievement and helped to raise vital funds for this amazing local charity.”

The team finished the day with a party where donations climbed to an amazing £1,235.00, soaring past her original target of £500.00. You can still donate to Kerry Rowlatt’s cause on her fundraising page.

Ms Rowlatt wanted to say “thank you to Hereford Parkrun for the lovely support from a great team of volunteers,” who she will go on to join, and to her generous donors.

“It’s great to help raise the profile of this amazing charity as well as show others that maintaining a regular exercise routine is good for the soul, she said. 

"I’m now totally hooked!”