At the Croxteth Half-Marathon on the 18th November, two teachers from West Kirby Grammar School endured torrential downpours and muddy conditions, Ruth Stenhouse completing the 10K and Kim Higham the half-marathon. 

Higham had set herself a goal to run 1000km in 2023 and she said working towards events has helped her keep motivated and the teachers enjoy running in events together and sometimes also train together. They’ve had their ups and downs when it comes to training, the cold and dark winter months dwindling their drive to train however their mental strength and determination has kept them moving forward. Higham also wanted to raise money for Wigan & Leigh Hospice and North Wales Cancer Centre, as she knew a friend’s dad who had been ill at the centre. 

The race was tough with tricky, energy-draining terrain and Higham admitted that at around 16km she was exhausted and considering giving up, but she pushed on and made it across the finish line and Stenhouse ran a strong 10km, saying she felt pretty good around the course. 

Higham has recently finished her 1000km and has raised over £1000 for charity and both are planning on running more races in the future. These resilient, kind teachers are perfect role models for the students at West Kirby Grammar and demonstrate what can be achieved with hard work and being supportive of others- facing difficulties and challenges and instead of avoidance, running straight at them.