Busy time for runner as 2012 sets a target and not just a date

The 52-year-old from Hull is also carrying the Olympic Torch in the city and organising a charity ball to raise money for local charities Cash for Kids and The Daisy Appeal.

Miss Duff, who works as an administrator in the health service, is taking part in the 2012 gold challenge which involves running 2,012 miles during the Olympic year.

She expects to pass the 2,012 mile target during the Hull 10k on June 3, which is part of the Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All series.

She has also signed up to the other Run for All 10k events, in Leeds, and York, as well as the Leeds Half Marathon.

But the running will continue even after the Hull event.

She said: “The challenge and fund-raising will continue to the finish line of the Athens Marathon in November which, quite fittingly, is the Olympic stadium where the first ever Olympiad was held.”

Aside from the running, a big part of her life is organising transport and accommodation which she pays for herself.

“My target this year is £12,000, which I’m confident of reaching. This is the biggest challenge and a truly awe-inspiring year for me.

“I am so grateful to my colleagues for the (Olympic Torch) nomination.

“I love to travel, meet people and enjoy running in these events.

“There is no better way to do this whilst supporting these great local charities along the way and shout our city from the roof tops.”

Miss Duff was also recently honoured to be selected from 43,000 hopefuls to take part in a five-mile race at London’s Olympic Park.

She said: “It was such a privilege to have been able to take part in such an historic event.”

Details on the charity ball on June 16 can be found at www.wish4life.co.uk.