Riccarda Savorani is hoping to raise money for The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity which supports parents of terminally ill children.
A Fulham resident is raring to go as she prepares for a half marathon tomorrow.
Italian shop assistant Riccarda Savorani, 41, of Pearscroft Road, will join hundreds of runners in the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon.
Participants will run through four Royal Parks in the 13.1 mile race.
Ms Savorani is hoping to raise £300 for her chosen charity, The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, and decided to enter the marathon only a few months ago.
The charity supports parents emotionally and practically when their child suffers from a life-threatening illness or is terminally ill.
The annual half marathon event was created in 2008 and raises funds to sustain eight Royal parks.
Ms Savorani said: “I want to run the half marathon to celebrate and mark the first two years living in London.”
The race will begin and end in Hyde Park and runners will jog through Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park and The Green Park.
They will pass sights such as Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall.
Ms Savorani is new to half marathons and in the run up to the event trained three to four times per week.
This is the first time she will compete in the race.
She added the finishing time is not important to her, her own personal experience is what matters in doing the run.
She is particularly close to The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity after a neighbour’s child in Italy suffered with a terminal illness.
“As a consequence of this experience I chose this charity. There are emotions behind it which everyone can relate to,” explained Ms Savorani.
Her strategy on Sunday will be to remain positive, confident and have a clear mind when running.
On the race day another event, Pulse3K, will take place encouraging 11-16 year olds to get involved in outdoor sports.
The day will also include a Food & Fitness Festival.
Since 2008, the marathon has raised an estimated £11m for causes around Britain.
The event has helped charities such as the Royal Parks Foundation itself, Cancer Research UK, Mind, Tommy’s and UNICEF.
In 2011 the event attracted approximately 12,500 competitors participating from the UK and 30 countries worldwide to race through the Capital with 40,000 spectators cheering them on.
In September last year the race won the Best Outdoor event category since its opening year.
For information and to register for 2013 visit www.royalparkshalf.com
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