The marathon runners faced challenging conditions with temperatures reaching 30C by the end after a 5.00am start. Dr Stevens finished in a very commendable 4 hours and 58 minutes coming an impressive 180th out of 470 in his age category. Dr Stevens, who has been Headmaster for ten years and will leave this summer to pursue a new challenge, described the race as, “a memorable experience with people lining the route, playing music and encouraging us from very early morning throughout the race. It proved a marathon of two halves, the first running in the dark with a breeze for 2 hours, then the second of nearly 3 hours in the light and heat with lots of cramping. I even wondered if I would finish at one point, but the crowds and the cause saw me through.”
Dr Stevens was cheered on by the OSCAR Foundation team who are excited to be making their 4th trip to Bradfield this summer. In October 2018 the College welcomed fifteen Mumbai girls from the OSCAR Foundation’s ‘Kick It Like A Girl’ football programme and in 2019 an under 17 boys’ team visited. During the last visit, in Autumn 2023, a mixed OSCAR touring team met Oscar International Patron, HRH the Duchess of Edinburgh and visited 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister.
Dr Stevens visited the OSCAR Foundation, in Mumbai, early in 2024. “I was both humbled and energised by what the team has achieved; their positivity and enthusiasm was infectious. I was also completely taken by the vibrancy of the bustling city and, in a moment of nostalgia (and utter madness), decided it would be wonderful to experience the city once more but this time as a marathon runner and therefore accepted the OSCAR team’s encouragement to run on their behalf, representing the College!”
Dr Stevens and the OSCAR International team are very grateful to the many sponsors who have already supported the fundraising campaign. More initiatives will run by each of our boarding houses between now and the visit, including a £2 per purchase donation from sales of the College’s 175 anniversary clothing which has been designed by one of our sixth formers. Funds raised by the Bradfield community will cover the cost of the trip, whilst also supporting OSCAR’s Community Learning Centres, a critical resource designed to empower over 10000 Indian children with hope, education and opportunities to lead change in their communities.
If you would like to support the fundraising campaign you can do so here.
