Salvation Army runner gets set for London Marathon

Carla Page is preparing to run the Perth Santa Run this December before attempting the London Marathon for the Salvation Army in 2016.
By SOFIANE KENNOUCHE
Published 4th Dec 2015, 16:30 BST

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Carla has recently received backing from The Salvation Army ahead of next year's marathon. Photo: Carla PageCarla has recently received backing from The Salvation Army ahead of next year's marathon. Photo: Carla Page
Carla has recently received backing from The Salvation Army ahead of next year's marathon. Photo: Carla Page

As the New Year approaches, many of us will be seated with family and friends enjoying the hearty food and drink that the festive seasons brings.

But spare a thought for 22 year-old Carla Page, who will be continuing to train for 2016 after she participates in the Perth Santa Run on December 12.

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The graduate of Abertay University will be running in a full Santa outfit for the 5K event, raising money for The Salvation Army.

Carla said: “I chose to raise money for The Salvation Army as I work for them and I’ve been connected to them ever since I was born.

“My Dad works for the charity and I’ve grown up in Dundee alongside them.”

The Downfield resident’s charitable ambitions come off the back of a fitness programme that changed her lifestyle drastically from the end of her teenage years. Over the course of two years, Carla lost 7 stone through healthy eating and continual exercise.

Carla added: “I wanted to set myself a personal goal. When I got to the end of my healthy eating plan, I decided to set myself more goals.

Carla is in training for the Perth Santa Run this December en route to the London Marathon next year. Photo: Carla PageCarla is in training for the Perth Santa Run this December en route to the London Marathon next year. Photo: Carla Page
Carla is in training for the Perth Santa Run this December en route to the London Marathon next year. Photo: Carla Page

“First of all, I took part in a 10K at the Dundee Race for Life, and then I decided to skip the half-marathon and go for the full marathon.”

Carla’s aspirations were originally quashed when it was found that she was unsuccessful in getting a public place in the London Marathon.

However, The Salvation Army stepped in at this time, securing Carla’s involvement with a charity space.

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Having only secured this lifeline about a month ago, Carla has found out that she won’t be running the 26.2 miles of the world-famous event alone.

Despite recent illness, Carla has continued to train. Photo: Carla PageDespite recent illness, Carla has continued to train. Photo: Carla Page
Despite recent illness, Carla has continued to train. Photo: Carla Page

“As I’m registered with The Salvation Army, they try and group you with others who also have charity places. I’m going to try and do an event each month before the Marathon.

“I’m doing short runs at the gym - 5Ks and 10Ks - and building this up weekly. My fundraising target from The Salvation Army is £2,000, so I’d be happy to raise anything above that.”

You can track Carla’s progress and donate to her cause by visiting her donation page online or Carla Runs London

Related topics:DundeeLondon