More than 120 supporters of Tottenham Hotspur Foundation laced up their walking shoes to take on the first ever Stride for Spurs on Sunday.
Starting and finishing at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, participants completed either a 26-mile marathon or 13-mile half marathon walk, providing vital support for the Foundation’s local community programmes.
The route took walkers from the stadium into the countryside, passing through Epping Forest before returning to N17. Club legend Michael Dawson was on hand to offer encouragement, photo opportunities and words of support.
He said: “We’ve had a great day for a fantastic cause. Honestly, the work the Foundation does for the local community is brilliant. Thank you to everyone for joining us – and a big shout-out to Freddie, Sami and Stefan from the Foundation’s cerebral palsy team, who I walked with at the start of the event.”
Every step taken during Stride for Spurs will help inspire, empower and transform lives. Last season alone, over 13,000 local residents benefited from more than 10,500 hours of Foundation support.
One of the programmes making a difference is Shape Up with Spurs. Participant Therisa Akoth was among those taking part in the walk.
She said: “The Foundation’s work is amazing. Shape Up with Spurs has been really good for my mental health. It’s like a little family. I really look forward to the sessions and I miss them whenever I can’t attend.
“I’ve lived in Tottenham most of my life and I’m so glad today’s event will support programmes like Shape Up with Spurs. We don’t pay a penny for the support we receive, so today was our chance to give back. It makes me proud to live in Tottenham.”
Lifelong Spurs fan Luke Barratt took on the half marathon distance and was first back to the stadium. He had driven down from Huddersfield for the event, starting his day at 3am.
He explained: “Having the opportunity to come into the stadium, meet an icon like Michael Dawson and explore the local community has been brilliant.
“But the main motivation was to support such a great cause. It’s fantastic to help provide opportunities for people who might not otherwise have access to them through the Foundation.”
Elizabeth Mings, Foundation fundraising manager, said: “We’re so grateful to everyone who took part in and supported Stride for Spurs. The energy, commitment and sense of community on display perfectly reflected what the Foundation stands for.
“The support will help us continue opening doors to education, creating pathways into employment, driving healthier and happier lifestyles, and building safer, stronger communities.”
To keep up to date with all the latest opportunities to support the Foundation, click here.