LadySports ::: Pippa Runs for Charity

WRESTLERS TEAM UP TO TAKE ON CHARITY RUN

The Bupa Great Manchester Run, scheduled for Sunday, May 18th, is accustomed to attracting amateur athletes from throughout the United Kingdom. This year, however, there will be two professionals pounding the pavement: professional wrestlers, that is.

An astonishing 31,000 runners are registered for the race, and among them are Pippa L'Vinn and Sue Scarlett. And while both women are experienced athletes, running a 10km race is something entirely new to them. However, they aren't simply doing this for themselves; they're running to raise funds for their pet charities. "I've always wanted to give back something to our city and support something that will bring so much good to those who might need my help", says Pippa with a smile.

But the Mancunian grappler, for one, has taken nothing for granted. For all of her athletic skill and endurance, she was well aware when she signed up for this that she had to retool her body. Running had never been a major component of her regular workout for wrestling, but six months ago she began driving herself, hitting the streets rain or shine up to three times a week. And all of this roadwork has really boosted her confidence going into this Sunday's event. "I started running about 10 minutes straight each day... now it's up to over 70 minutes. I've tried to increase my time each week, even if it was only four or five more minutes. I have no doubt that I will have no trouble keeping up with the other runners."

Asked how she thought she would finish, L'Vinn flashes her trademark wry smile and says, "I'll finish!" Pippa, who has been wrestling for some 11 years now, started out on a judo team, and branched out from there with freestyle wrestling, and then on to pro work. The 5'3", 135 pound athlete knows what hard work is. She has had the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world in order to wrestle, from across the U.K. and Europe to the United States. And the competitive spirit which has driven her to the top of the wrestling world is what has now led her to tackle the challenge of the Great Manchester Run.

And because of her celebrity status among wrestling fans, Pippa is hoping to encourage many of them to contribute to her run. She is raising funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. Likewise, fellow grappler Sue is also accepting donations, with her charity of choice being the Parkinson's Disease Society. Says L'Vinn, "We have put our longtime ring feud behind us... but only for the race! We have both had our families touched by cancer and Parkinson's, and we each wanted to do something to help combat those terrible diseases."

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For more information or to pledge a donation email Pippa at: pippa.lvinn@tesco.net


Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn

Pippa L'Vinn