Royal Navy founder of Yeovil Marathon has given £3250 raised from the event this year to Charities close to home.
Petty Officer (PO) Air Engineering Technician Bryn Phillips based at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton founded the Yeovil Marathon in 2015.
He discovered a love of running using it as a way of combatting PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) following mechanical failure of a Voyager Aircraft he was travelling in out to Afghanistan , his experience, 29 seconds of terror until the aircrew managed to gain control!
The Yeovil Marathon took place on the 11 June 2017 at RNAS Yeovilton and is now in its 3rd year.
280+ runners signed up for the event which takes in the picturesque villages surrounding the Air Station.
PO Bryn Phillips presented three cheques from the profits of the event, the RNRMC (Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity) with a cheque for £1500 and the Yeovilton Military Wives Choir with £1500.
Yeovil Town Road Running Club (RRC) presented HMS Heron Sports Fund with a cheque for £250 as a general donation to help with the upkeep of the Sports Facilities that the running Club use.
Although a stressful job organising the Marathon, Event Director PO Bryn Phillips, commented; “It is all worth it when the runners finish, most with smiles as they collect their finisher’s medal.
“It’s great for me to be able to give something back to those that support me and many others.
“The Yeovil Marathon is back for its 4th year on the 10th June 2018 but with exciting changes.
“We are adding a Half Marathon distance which is going to be called the Heron Half after HMS Heron for those participants who prefer a half marathon distance.”
“The Heron Half is to be hosted by Yeovil Town RRC.” continued PO Bryn Phillips.
“This will further cement the partnership between the running club and the Air Station. The route is also changing as we will no longer go through the villages of Podimore and Yeovilton but through Ilchester and the tiny hamlet of Urgushay.
“There will be lots of entertainment at the Event Site including a free Children’s Fun Run, bouncy castle and soft play; in addition our Main Sponsors Thales will be on site with their very own mascot Faybot.
“It doesn’t matter whether you know anyone running or not you can still come down and enjoy the day as a family event that encourages fitness and fun.”
Yeovil Marathon is back 10 June 2018
