Harrison and dash for darts ’24

Why did you sign up for the Doncaster City 10K? Have you ran it before or are you embarking on a new challenge?

I used to run quite a lot as a teenager but had to stop for a while due to a health scare and sort of never got back into it. I’m feeling fitter these days and running is such a great tool for clearing the head and maintaining good mental health, so I’m trying to build two or three runs back into my weekly routine.

Have you started training? What is motivating you to get out on those autumn runs?

I have started training. I’ve been running short distances for a few months to ease my body back into the motions and I have recently done my first 5k and worked my way up to 7.5k. I’ll be ready for the 10k come November 24th. I find my motivation through consistent practice. I know how beneficial this is for my mental health and that’s what really gets me up and out – plus, Doncaster can be a lovely place to run through during Autumn with the falling leaves on every street. Oh, and listening to Springsteen keeps me going!

Why are you fundraising for darts? What does darts mean to you?

By the time I run the 10k, I will have been working for darts for a year. In my time so far, I’ve seen some wonderful work and heard some really inspiring stories. I truly believe the work that darts is doing is important and you really see the difference it can make in our community by talking to the people who visit our programmes. I like running and I think that if there’s anything I can do to support this organisation, then it’s worth my time.

At darts, we use creativity to express ourselves and help get stronger. Does running have a positive impact on your mood like this? Is that important to you?

Absolutely. If I’m feeling stressed or anxious, or even a little bit down, running is great for alleviating that stuff. I think it’s a good way of shutting out all the noise that can build up in my brain, in a healthy way. But I’m not completely absent minded when I run – if anything it allows me to think more clearly.

For those in Doncaster unaware of darts’ work, what would you tell them? 

I’d tell them that the work darts is doing – and has been doing for a long time now – is absolutely vital to the community. Making art with the community, be that visual, dance, music, is such a simple premise and yet darts are constantly innovating and finding new and exciting things to include in our workshops. It’s inspiring and full of heart, and there’s a lot of compassion behind it all. If you’re interested in taking part, meeting new people, or just something fun to do, take a look at the website or pop in for a chat and our team can help you find what’s right for you.

Any words of motivations to those already signed up to the 10K?

If you can do it with a friend or prefer running alone (or join the ‘dash for darts’ team!), I’d say go for it. It’s not as far as you think. Find a pace that works for you and give it a go.

Take 2 minutes to support Harrison and keep our programmes running – donate here.