In the world of marathon running, there’s something truly magical about the journey from the starting line to the finish, filled with determination and personal triumphs.
For four staff members at Spectra Packaging, this journey became a reality as they all conquered the iconic London Marathon, each with their own inspirational story. But their journey didn’t start with marathon dreams; it began with a simple yet powerful initiative within the Spectra community – the Couch to 5K group.
After work hours, many colleagues gathered to lace up their running shoes and join the running group – a programme designed to guide beginners with no running experience to run 5 kilometres, culminating in a 5k Parkrun to commemorate their achievements.
The Marathon story begins with Sam Read, ISB Tool Service Technician and John Cunningham, Print Technician, who set the stage for what would become a remarkable series of achievements for the Spectra team. In 2023, Sam and John embarked on the gruelling yet rewarding challenge of completing the London Marathon. Their dedication and success ignited a spark within other colleagues, paving the way for what was to come.
Fast forward to 2024, and the momentum continued as Nigel Howlett, EBM Moulding Optimisation Engineer, and Diana Frost, Print Manager, took centre stage, crossing the same finish line that Sam and John had conquered the year before.
The support and motivation of the Couch to 5K running group inspired Diana and Nigel to take on the London Marathon this year. Nigel Howlett reflected on this transformational journey by expressing gratitude for the guidance and encouragement he received along the way.
“In just 12 months, I’ve gone from zero running to completing the London Marathon. Big thanks to the Spectra Couch 2 5k group at work, especially Sam, John, and Diana, along with support from my partner, Kerry. Training three times a week, rain or shine, was tough, but the goal kept me going. With the help of family and friends, we raised funds for The Lords Taverners through a Bake Sale and Bingo Night. Special thanks to my friend Amy for post-run massages and Naomi for advice. The race day was filled with excitement and determination, and crossing the finish line was a moment I’ll never forget. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of Kerry, my family, and my friends.”
Reflecting on her marathon experience, Diana Frost shared her own excitement of the day.
“Running the marathon was such an amazing experience; the crowds were so friendly, and it had such a great atmosphere. People were playing loud music outside their houses, bands were performing spectators were shouting words of encouragement – it is something I will never ever forget.”
For the Spectra Packaging team, the London Marathon was more than just a race; it was a testament to the power of teamwork, resilience, and the human spirit. From the humble beginnings of the Couch to 5K group to the glory of the marathon finish line, their journey serves as an inspiration to us all.
Who will be next from Spectra Packaging to take on the challenge?
