With preparations well under way for this year’s Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival which will take place across the Spring Bank Holiday Weekend (May 25-26th), festival manager Tracy James-Lieberman is busy running around – literally – in a final training push ahead of this month’s London Marathon.
Tracy, who lives in Maendy will run for Shelter, raising funds for the fantastic charity that makes such a difference to those experiencing homelessness, those who face the threat of losing their homes and those who don’t have a safe place to call home.
“It’s less than two weeks to go now so this really is the final push and I’ll be pounding the lovely streets and lanes of Cowbridge every day, making sure I’m in the best possible shape for the actual race”, said Tracy.
“When I’m not training for a big one, I usually cover about 30 miles in a week; currently closer to 50 but I live in such a beautiful area, it’s just the perfect spot for getting those miles in come rain or shine.
“If I’m not in the lanes, I’ll be running through town, past the Bear Hotel, through the Old Hall Gardens and all the sites that will be part of the actual festival so it keeps me focused on that too which is perfect.”
Tracy started running eight years ago, competing in a Race for Life in London in memory of her father – both Tracy’s parents were also keen runners and had competed together in a London marathon so it clearly runs in the family; so much so that sister, Michelle partnered up for an Ultra marathon last year and when extra encouragement is needed, husband Mikey is the perfect running buddy!
Outside of training in Cowbridge Tracy hasn’t stopped this year, keeping up the miles while on holiday in Spain and even combining two city breaks with half marathon efforts in both Lisbon and just last week in Prague, which turned out to be quite the local affair after bumping into members of the Cowbridge Moovers running club who will also be helping out at this year’s festival.
Summing up her marathon efforts, Tracy said:
“I really do feel so privileged to be part of a team that can make such a difference to those experiencing homelessness.
“The London Marathon is a big challenge but the fight against the housing emergency is huge – having a safe home means absolutely everything to me so I’m going to go all out to hopefully raise as much as I can.
“I’ve had some fantastic support so far, from festival traders sponsoring my vest to generous friends and family going all out for which I am so grateful.
“Times are hard and it’s so difficult to ask for financial donations but if anyone does have even a little to spare for a great cause and could take two minutes to check out my fundraising page, that would be absolutely amazing and very, very appreciated.
“We’re nearly there now and I’m so excited to be doing this! Roll on April 27th, thank you to everyone again for all the brilliant support, wish me luck!”
