Published Wednesday 19 October 2022 at 14:20
Gary Shaw, who works in the Open Spaces Team at Blackburn with Darwen Council, along with his partially sighted friend Paul, who also used to work for the Council, have completed over 40 triathlons together and are set to run the Blackburn 10k this December at Ewood Park.
Gary and Paul have been friends for over 30 years; they met when they worked together at the Council.
They train together in any free time they have, with Gary usually picking Paul up from his house to embark on a training session, be that swimming, cycling, running together or cycling on their tandem bike.
Paul sadly lost his sight in October 2016 but this hasn’t stopped the two friends from completing in many competitions over the years.
Gary started with a 5k ‘Santa dash’ in Corporation Park back in December 2016 and then went on to run the Blackburn 10k ‘Winter Warmer’ in February 2017.
Gary completed his first triathlon in April 2017, and it was then when Paul asked Gary if he would help him to complete a triathlon, which was the start of the two friends completing triathlons together.
Gary and Paul ride a tandem for the cycling, with Paul being tethered to Gary when they run.
Although they are not fundraising this time, we wish Gary and Paul all the very best of luck in December.
The Runthrough event at Ewood Park in December is back after successful events in 2019 and 2021. Sign up as an individual or as a team to this timed 10k race with plenty of time to work on your personal best.
After another difficult year, events like this one are something to look forward to, and an opportunity for staff to reclaim their fitness after the pandemic.
During the pandemic, BwD saw a rise in many people taking up running for the first time, or finding a love for the sport again. The Blackburn 10k is a great opportunity to join hundreds of other runners for a chipped 10k race in your hometown.
You could train with a colleague or join one of many local running clubs to meet others training for the event. One of the best things about running is the social scene, meeting like-minded people while you’re out and about. Lots of local Blackburn with Darwen running groups are available if you would rather train with others.
The 10k race starts and finishes inside Blackburn Rovers Football Club Ewood Park grounds and runs around Blackburn town centre taking in all of the local landmarks. Taking place on Sunday 4th December, the race starts at 9.30am, with a kids race also on the same day. Your entry will include chip timed results, a unique themed medal, free official event photos, fruit, flapjacks, water and more goodies.
For more information on the Blackburn 10k please visit their website.