The Knight of the Cambridge Half Marathon
Cole Strokes is running the TTP Cambridge Half Marathon this March for #TeamPetals, wearing a medieval knight outfit weighing 28kg.Â
Cole Stokes, from Cambridge, will take on the 13.1 mile course wearing a 15th century style covering, mostly made of hardened steel. It will include a chest plate, leg armour and steel chain mail. He will be holding a pole adorned with a pink Petals flag.
The event, on Sunday 8 March, will be Cole’s first half marathon. A senior data analyst, he is a member of the Cambridge Medieval Fighters Guild – an amoured combat team who use blunt steel weapons characteristic of the Middle Ages to take part in tournaments. He’s used to wearing the armour for short stints, not the two hours he hopes it will take him to complete the course, which passes through four University of Cambridge colleges.
“I hope by doing this I will not only be bringing awareness to Petals, but to the sport of Buhurt as well,” said Cole, who, while on training runs wearing his armour, has been stopped for photos.
“I don’t have any children and have never heard of anybody even speak of losing their children. It must be so devastating. 295 babies are lost in pregnancy or shortly after birth every day, so I know the cause will be relevant to people in my wider group, and those I work with. I really hope by wearing this outfit I will encourage more donations to support the work they do.”
While authenticity is key to participants of Buhurt, Cole has adapted his armour using padding to make discomfort less likely, also adding a pouch for his keys. He’s been persuaded by members of the Mill Road Run Club – who he joins for a weekly run – to swap leather shoes for trainers.
“Medieval leather boots have no tread and are completely flat, so if it’s raining they wouldn’t be very sensible. I have had to make some compensations,” Mr Stokes said.
You can support Cole via his Justgiving page.Â
If, like Cole you would like to join #TeamPetals and fundraise (with or without armour) to help us support even more bereaved parents following the heartbreak of baby loss, check out how you can get involved below:
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How far are you willing to go? Find a 5k, 10k, half-marathon or marathon near you.
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Fundraise Your Way
Whatever you have planned, from a pamper day to a cake sale, a football match to a 24 hour walk, we’d love to hear about it and help you raise as much money as possible.