Jesse Walklin, 31, a recruitment director from Islington, and colleagues Mike Jones, Freya Bull and Craig Duncan, completed the PolarNight Half Marathon in Tromsø, Norway, on January 4.
This half-marathon was a tribute to his late mother, Caroline Walklin, who died five months ago at 61 after being diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2022.
Freya Bull, Mike Jones, Craig Duncan and Jesse Walklin with their medals (Image: Brain Tumour Research)
Mr Walklin said: “The run was good.
“We did it in 1hr 55, we all ran together as a four.”
Temperatures during the race dropped to minus eight degrees, which Mr Walkin said presented some challenges, and the run was completed in darkness.
He added: “It was pitch black the whole time. Candles often lit the way, and I think there were about 1,000 runners; certainly fewer people compared to the London Marathon, and running in the dark was a novel experience.”
The snow underfoot provided a low-impact surface, which Mr Walklin described as “quite nice”.
The keen runner has raised £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research by running the TCS London Marathon in April 2024, dressed in a brain costume.
Mr Walklin said: “Mum saw pictures and videos of me running London, but this time I won’t be able to go home and show her what we achieved after this race.”
The preparation for this Arctic challenge was unique for Mr Walklin.
He had to buy cleats for his trainers and ensure he had plenty of layers to wear during the race.
He said: “There’s no easy way to train for this type of run, it’s been more about exposing myself to the cold little and often.”
The January race marked Mr Walklin’s first Christmas without his mother, but his dedication to raising funds in her memory continues.
Mr Walklin said: “I never knew about brain tumours before my mum was diagnosed with one.
“You don’t think about them until you must.
“That’s why I want to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Brain Tumour Research, to fund vital research and keep families together for longer.”
Donations to Mr Walklin’s PolarNight Half Marathon challenge can be made on his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TheJesses.
