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On Friday 31 May, we, the UCL Geoggers – a group of UCL Geography Runners - ran in Richmond Park to raise money for Shelter. Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through advice, support and legal services.

Those who participated completed either a 10km route or a half-marathon, with everyone challenging their own personal records. Some people who participated in this event had never ran long distances before. I personally, before starting my Masters at UCL, had never ran longer than 15 minutes before, and with 8 months of fun training around the beautiful parks of London with some amazing people, I completed my first ever half-marathon! UCL Geoggers is an amazing group to be a part of. I have met some amazing people and through our weekly runs we all supported and encouraged each other in a fun and social way to keep fit.

The event itself was super fun. Richmond Park is a beautiful setting, a pocket of forest with majestic deer roaming around freely. Some runners even managed to break their own personal bests, completing the half-marathon in under 2 hours! We then had a picnic with refreshments and ice-cream overlooking the beautiful hillside view from Pembroke Lodge.

The best part was all the money we fundraised thanks to so many generous friends and family supporting us all the way. We raised over £1000 for Shelter and we are all so proud for supporting such a great cause.

I want to say a massive thank you to Anson MacKay for setting up this running group and rain-or-shine always being up for a run, motivating us all too! None of this would have been possible without him!

Written by Panayiota Zaris, UCL Geogger and UCL student

If you want to fundraise for a cause you're passionate about, let us know by completing our Fundraising Group Webform and we can support you!

You can also get involved with fundraising activities hosted by local charities.