And not even hot under the dog collar! Sleaford vicar runs 1000km in lockdown

The vicar of Sleaford was cheered on by pupils at William Alvey School when he clocked up 1,000km in his lockdown running challenge.
On a mission. Vicar of Sleaford Fr Philip Johnson in his running gear outside Wiliam Alvey School. EMN-201120-150525001On a mission. Vicar of Sleaford Fr Philip Johnson in his running gear outside Wiliam Alvey School. EMN-201120-150525001
On a mission. Vicar of Sleaford Fr Philip Johnson in his running gear outside Wiliam Alvey School. EMN-201120-150525001

Father Philip Johnson, Rural Dean of Lafford and vicar of St Denys’ Church completed his 1,000th kilometre at the primary school in front of 650 cheering children stretched out with bunting.

The 51-year-old explained: “It didn’t really start out as a challenge, but at the beginning of lockdown I started running more frequently, from two to three times a week to six times a week.”

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The vicar had previously had to up his fitness levels to fulfil the entry requirements to become a chaplain with the RAF in training last year.

Ready to cheer on Fr Philip Johnson at William Alvey School. EMN-201120-150539001Ready to cheer on Fr Philip Johnson at William Alvey School. EMN-201120-150539001
Ready to cheer on Fr Philip Johnson at William Alvey School. EMN-201120-150539001

He added after the latest run: “It has been mainly around cross country following footpaths around the town. Today’s run was from Haverholme Priory, into town and back.

“I also started recording where I went, distances and times. It soon mounts up.”

Yesterday (Thursday) he clocked up the 1000km since the lockdown began. But he said he is going to keep up the regular running. “Who knows what the year total might be?”

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