British Tinnitus Association

The British Tinnitus Association - registered charity no: 1011145

I Ran the Marrakesh Marathon in Support of the BTA and raised over £3,000!

Abigail Gold, an Art PR executive who lives in London, contacted the BTA in 2006 explaining that she was planning to run the Marrakesh Marathon on 28 January 2007 in aid of the British Tinnitus Association. Abi told us:

"Lots of factors came together in deciding to do this: I wanted to give myself a challenge, I had recently visited Marrakesh and loved it, (and wanted an excuse to go back!) and my mum suffers with tinnitus and has done for several years."

"When someone close to you is suffering, you feel very helpless. Although there is nothing I can do to physically help her, I can try and raise money, and perhaps in a small way, raise awareness of the condition."

Here’s Abi’s Diary of events and the big day!

12 December - hotel booked, flights booked, we are definitely registered. Need to book a medical and then everything sorted.

24 December - Really brilliant run - 11 miles. Really enjoyed it, even the wind and rain.

14 January - Long run 17/18 miles. Got lost and dropped water bottle in the mud so very dehydrated. For the first time had doubts whether I can do this. Behind on the schedule I was sticking to. I just want to do my best on the day, not let down the people who have sponsored me.

17 January - Went out for dinner with friends and met another Abbie who ran the Dublin Marathon in October. Felt more confident after talking to her.

25 January - Got euros, batteries for camera, powerade etc. Nightmare thinking my flight might be cancelled due to strikes. Realised I’ve nearly raised my goal amount, can’t believe how generous people have been.

27 January - Up at 5am for my 8am flight. Uneventful and on time, which was great. The hotel sent a driver for Adam and I, and we’d sorted a taxi to the registration point. Huge confusion about where the race actually starts it could be one of three places. Lots of people registering at the same time - all for the half marathon, and they look super fit. Explain in my bad French that I will be running the whole thing- not many women do apparently. All done, now time to rest and prepare my kit, and go out for some dinner in Jemarr el Fnar square. Pray to the gods of ‘holiday stomach’ that we won’t be affected!

The Big Day! 28 January - Up at 6am, but didn’t sleep much. We have breakfast at the hotel, but I can’t really eat - very nervous. Tricky to keep as hydrated as I should when I can’t risk drinking the tap water. We had ordered a taxi the night before, and luckily, we had the correct area so find the start easily. The taxi driver shouts ‘courage!’ as he drives off. Like all the people we encounter, he is very enthusiastic about us being part of this. The weather is perfect, bright but chilly. There are no toilet facilities at all…it’s every man for himself running into the desert. I get the giggles. The atmosphere is amazing- everyone jumping up and down, singing, shouting. Some of the most famous runners in the world are here, but we are all starting in a muddle together. I don’t hear the starting whistle over the shouting and music, and we are off at 8.30am. Feel like I’m cheating with my Powerade and Asics when I notice that some of the Morrocans are running in jelly shoes and ancient sweatpants. Children line the streets all the way, putting their hands out for high fives, shouting ‘bonne chance Madame!’

It’s really well organised, with water every 5k, and sponges in between. Feel great even at the 25k mark. We pass camels, run through groves of orange trees and palms. The field really thins at this point as most people are doing the half marathon. Still feel strong at 30k, so I pick up my pace. We are running back into the city after going round the ramparts of the medina and out to La Palmerie. Police are on all the roundabouts stopping the traffic. Start to feel tired now, but so exhilarated; I’m nearly there, after all the training, the organising, and the nerves. The last 2k feel endless, but turn the corner onto Mohammed II Avenue and see the finish, which is an amazing moment. Lots of people line the streets, smiling and waving takes my mind off my aching legs! Pass under the huge inflatable bridge, and feel very emotional when an official puts the medal round my neck. Check my time - 4 hours and 8 minutes. I’m relieved, thrilled, exhausted and tearful all at once.

In the flight magazine on the way home I notice there is an Antarctic marathon next February. Am I tempted…?!

Thank you so much to Emily at the BTA who has been so supportive and to all the readers of Quiet, my family and friends who sponsored me. Thank you as well to Adam, who trained and competed with me.

You can still sponsor Abi at www.justgiving.com/abigold

Any Other Fundraising Ideas?

If you would be interested in doing other events to raise funds for the BTA, or if you have fun ideas for fundraising please contact the BTA's Director Martin Wass on 0114 250 9933 or email martin@tinnitus.org.uk

We hope to hear from you.

[16 February 2007]