The fundraising event was held at the College and supported the Team Hill Charitable Trust, which is raising money to rebuild toilet facilities at Hana School in Uganda after the original toilet block collapsed.
Sport and Personal Training tutor Martin Hamer completed half a marathon on an indoor rowing machine, while learners from Sport, Fitness and Uniformed Public Services courses contributed individual distances towards the overall total.
In total, 18 learners took part in the challenge, with 16 students completing a full mile (1,609m) each, including learners from our SEND provision and across a range of courses. Two learners went even further, with Millie rowing an impressive 17,134 metres (10.6 miles) and Izzy completing 6,546 metres (4.1 miles), helping to push the team beyond expectations.
For many learners, the event marked their first experience of taking part in a charity sporting challenge. One learner said they “I felt really proud to be involved and to know what we were doing would actually help people,” while another described the challenge as “motivating and something completely different to what we usually do”.
Several learners had never used a rowing machine before, making the event a completely new experience. One participant shared, “I’d never used one before and was nervous at first, but the staff helped us, and I felt more confident as the event went on.” Another added, “Once I started rowing, I just wanted to keep going and do my part for the team.”
The experience left a lasting impression, with one learner describing how completing the challenge on their birthday made it “really memorable”, while another said they were “excited to be part of something positive that makes a difference to other people”.
The event was organised by mentor and leadership coach Andy Hall, who completed the full marathon distance of 42,165 metres (26.2 miles) in a time of four hours, two minutes and 37 seconds. Tutor Martin completed a half-marathon distance of 21,082.5 metres (13.1 miles) in one hour, 29 minutes and 43 seconds.
Olympic rower Graeme Thomas attended to support and encourage participants. Despite recovering from injury, Graeme spent time coaching learners, offering technical advice and sharing insight into elite sport.
Andy Hall will also be returning to Oldham College as a guest speaker to share his personal journey and speak openly about his mental health challenges.
We are extremely proud of everyone involved for their commitment and generosity, and for the positive impact the event will have on both learners and the communities it supports.
