A WORTHY charity is more than £5,000 better off thanks to the intrepid Tilted Trotters.
Like-minded regulars from the Tilted Barrel pub, in Waltham, took part in the Lincoln 10k run, not only raising the cash, but exceeding their fitness expectations.
While some lost their beer bellies, for others the race heralded personal achievements – one runner even crossed the line after recently having heart surgery.
Mark Ebenezersson, 46, who lives in Waltham, lost one-and-a-half stone from running.
He completed the 10k – which begins at the Lincoln Imp pub, goes round the famous cathedral and finishes at Castle Square – in one hour, two minutes and 33 seconds.
He said: "We trained in snow, hail, rain and gale-force winds – but luckily race day was nice and sunny.
"It was a fantastic day and 60 of us, including some supporters, travelled on a coach to it.
"The crowd cheered us on the whole way and the atmosphere was immense.
"When we reached the cobbles at Castle Square, it got really difficult because of the uneven surface."
Mark explained that the idea of completing the run snowballed over a pint of beer.
"We were talking about running and the barmaid, Sian, was saying she completed the Great North Run," he said.
"The last time I ran was 30 years ago at school! So we thought we would all give it a go for Macmillan Cancer Support. I have met so many new faces from it, and got to know people really well.
"We trained together as a team and built it up over time and began by running from the pub to Tollbar Academy and then worked our way to Scartho."
"I have really benefited from it, losing one-and-a-half stone. And it is for such a good cause. My mum died from cancer eight years ago and the Macmillan nurses were brilliant."
Wendy Sheard, 48, from Waltham, had a brilliant time too, and she believes it has brought a real community spirit to the pub.
"Everyone has exceeded expectations in doing so well," she said.
"I never thought we could raise this amount and it just shows what a big group of people can achieve."
The event has even spurred on some of the group to carry on running, and there's a plan in the pipeline to compete in the Hull Half Marathon.
"You get such a buzz from running," Mark added. "You think you can't be bothered, but when you get going, you feel great.
"It has brought so many people together."
Crystal Ness, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "I think these guys have been fabulous because we are encouraging people to undertake fundraising activities while having fun and getting fit.
"I'm going to suggest they do a heel mile run, in other words, a run in high heels... and yes, men have to wear them too!"
