Inspirational Harrogate teachers overcome scorching Croatian heat in scenic half marathon challenge

Mrs Nicola Shillam and Mrs Anita Oldham, Pre-Prep teachers at Belmont Grosvenor School, completed the Dubrovnik Half Marathon during their latest running adventure.

While their previous running challenges, in Norway and North Yorkshire, were tricky due to extreme cold, ice and darkness, their Dubrovnik run brought its own challenge – the heat.

The teachers, both members of Ripon Runners, have been friends and running partners for the past 15 years and have completed dozens of marathons and half marathons together.

Their Dubrovnik adventure was one of their most scenic – and hottest – races so far.

Mrs Shillam said: “After the cold of Tromso last year, we wanted a new challenge so decided to head for warmer climes.

"Dubrovnik is considered a scenic course, with coastal views, and a historic experience finishing through the Old Town walls.

"We both prefer trail running so being on roads was always going to be challenging for us mentally but the heat was the real problem – it was intense and constant.

"However, the views were spectacular, and the bands playing music along the route, kept us going.”

The pair, who teach Year 1 and Year 2 pupils at Belmont Grosvenor School, are already eyeing up their next adventure – one of the northernmost half marathons in the world, with polar bear guards, in Svalbard, northern Norway.

Peter Baird, Director of Sport at Belmont Grosvenor School, said Mrs Shillam and Mrs Oldham’s running adventures were inspiring to all pupils at the school and were the embodiment of two of the school’s core values - ambition and resilience.

He added: “We are extremely proud of their latest running achievements in Croatia.

"They are a real inspiration to our pupils.”