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Jun 2024
Harrogate police officer runs 24-hour triple marathon for charity
A Harrogate police sergeant set to retire next week completed an epic 24-hour triple marathon this lunchtime, raising more than £5,000 for centres that support the physical and mental health of fellow officers.
Sgt Paul Cording set off from the war memorial in Harrogate town centre at 1pm yesterday and ran through the night to cover 126.8km – 78.8 miles – a distance he chose to signify his collar number, 1268.
The number of hours he ran – 24 – recalls the number of years he has served with North Yorkshire Police.
After crossing the finishing line at the war memorial at 1pm today, cheered on by supporters, the roads policing officer told the Stray Ferret:
I’m fatigued, overjoyed, and humbled by the support that so many people have given us. I got a bit emotional when I heard that we’d raised more than £5,000.
I’m also gobsmacked by the number of people who have joined me on the run. Even at three o’clock in the morning I had four or five people running with me.
Sgt Cording ran along six 5km routes favoured by Harrogate’s Early Bird Running Crew, avoiding those he deemed too hilly. But even the flatter routes took their toll. He said:
It got more and more painful as the challenge went on, but success is a journey, not a destination. This is a fitting way for me to end my career with North Yorkshire Police.
The total amount Sgt Cording has raised through his 1268 24-Hour Challenge is still rising, but by 2pm today it had reached £5,427.
The money will go to help fund the Police Treatment Centre in Harrogate, which is one of only two in the UK.
The centre provides injured and ill police officers and staff – both serving and retired – with treatment and support, including intensive, police-specific physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
Sgt Cording, 52, is due to retire next week. Look out for our coverage when the Stray Ferret meets him for his last shift on Wednesday.
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