Travel Counsellors agent to run 50 marathons in 2025 for charity

A Travel Counsellors homeworker has finished a marathon onboard Norwegian Aqua as part of her quest to run 50 marathons during 2025 for charity.

Claire Calladine decided to take on the challenge as she turns 50 this year and wanted to raise money for Dementia UK in memory of her father, and Reuben’s Retreat, a children’s charity supported by Travel Counsellors and others in the industry.

An experienced long-distance runner, she has run 13 marathons since January, with the 13th taking place in Southampton because she is among 1,500 agents joining Norwegian Aqua on a three-night round-trip sailing from Southampton ahead of the ship’s inaugural season.

Most of the marathon was run around Southampton, with the final yards taking place on a treadmill on the ship.

She said: “I really enjoyed it even though I was dreading it.

“I really love why I am doing this and the support from my fellow Travel Counsellors and the great weather we had really helped on the day.”

Calladine is averaging one marathon a week, but is planning to run another marathon near her home on March 30, which will take her total marathons completed this week to three.

Next week, she will travel to Ireland with her mother to take part in an official marathon event in Westport, from where her father came.

She said: “I got into running back in 2007 and have done more than 30 official marathons and three full Iron Man events.

“My dad was my inspiration for this as he was a very keen cyclist. He is my why and built me my first bike and got me started in fitness.”

Calladine joined Travel Counsellors in April 2023, following a career in travel and hospitality, including a decade with Riviera Travel.

She became a homeworker to be able to spend more time with her parents, and lives near the Peak District, between Uttoxeter, Burton and Lichfield.

Her father, who had dementia, died last May and she said it had been “a godsend” to be flexible with work and support her parents.

“I wanted to do 50 marathons throughout my 50th year so I am raising money for Dementia UK,” she said.

“I am also raising money for Reuben’s Retreat, a charity that Travel Counsellors supports.

“It has become close to my heart, listening to the stories from [founder and mother of Reuben] Nicola Graham and the teams at our conferences. I have been to visit Reuben’s Retreat [in Glossop].”

Calladine also plans other fundraising events this year, such as raffles and coffee mornings, to add to the amount raised.

Her local gym is planning to hold a fundraising day with her and local companies are sponsoring her massage and nutrition.

To donate to Claire Calladine’s marathon challenge, click here.