Jack Kavanagh running for Palace for Life
We spoke to Palace for Life coach Jack Kavanagh about his upcoming London Marathon attempt.
This Sunday, 3rd October will be a special day in London, with the return of the mass participation Virgin Money London Marathon. There will be a splash of red and blue running through the streets of London, with a number of our supporters running to raise money for us.
Palace for Life’s very own Jack Kavanagh is one of more than ten brave runners taking on the 26.2 miles this weekend, raising money for the Foundation. We caught up with Jack to discuss his coaching career, running history and the inspiration behind taking on this challenge.
What’s your role at Palace for Life?
I’m a health & wellbeing coach but have worked in many departments, including healthy eating programmes, disability teams and walking football. I will also be starting a PGCE in primary school teaching this year.
What have you enjoyed most during your time at the Foundation?
It’s definitely working with the young people and seeing them develop as they get older. It’s so rewarding seeing them become role models for others themselves.
How did you come to join Palace for Life?
I joined the Foundation through contacts at my University and have now been here for two years. The first year I was volunteering before I successfully interviewed to become a health & wellbeing coach, going on to complete my FA Level 1 coaching badge.
How excited are you to be running the London Marathon?
I’ve always loved running since I was young, running for Surrey Athletics. It’s always been on my bucket list, so it was a dream come true to be selected to run it this year. I’ve been trying to fit my training around coaching, and I’ll be happy with anything under 3 hours 15 minutes!
Why are you fundraising for Palace for Life?
Throughout my time at the Foundation, I can see that any donations go such a long way. Whether that’s enhancing our mental health programmes, putting on more football sessions or providing more healthy food options on our courses, it all makes such a difference to people’s lives.
What can you take from this experience to pass on to the young people that you coach?
I think one of the big things that young people can take from running is the idea of not giving up, even when you hit a wall to keep going. They can also see that if I can tick this off of my bucket list and run the London Marathon, then anything is possible for them to achieve.
You can keep an eye out for Jack and our other Palace for Life runners while you build up to the Palace vs Leicester game, with the mass participation race starting at 9.30am on Sunday 3rd October! You are also able to donate to Jack’s fundraising page HERE.