We’re proud to announce that Sotech’s David Swithenbank will be running in the TRUMPF sixth annual half marathon.
The race, which takes place on 25th June in Stuttgart, is hosted by one of our supply partners – TRUMPF.
TRUMPF, a world leading manufacturer of machine tools, laser technology and electronics, has been inviting their customers to take part in the Stuttgart half marathon together with their employees for the past five years.
“Each year our team continues to grow – last year TRUMPF was represented with a team of 120 runners!”, said Caroline Rapp, the race co-ordinator at TRUMPF.
David, who is responsible for the design work and programming of CNC machines, joined Sotech in 2014. From Seaton Delaval originally, David is aiming to beat his personal best of 2 hours 30 minutes.
“I’m already training for the Great North Run in September 2017 and I love raising money for charity so when they asked I said yes straight away. This is a record for me – a 5k run, two half marathons and a charity bike ride all in one year! I think I’ll have to take it easy in 2018.”
David has not had an easy start to his training. He is currently recovering from surgery on his leg.
“I’m doing a lot of cycling to keep the pressure off my leg but I’ll need to get some running miles in soon. My wife is running the half marathon with me and is currently up to eight miles! She has never run in a race like this before and now I have the sneaking suspicion she will be miles ahead of me!”
David’s commitment to running began in 2013 when his best friend was diagnosed with leukaemia. He promised to run a race to help raise money for his charity – the Anthony Nolan fund – and hasn’t stopped running, riding and fundraising since.
“Running keeps me connected to him in some way and to the cause. If our efforts can help just one family it will be worth it.”
“I ran a 5k run for a Children’s Cancer Research charity a few weeks ago and I’ll be taking part in 60-mile bike ride for a children’s cancer charity in August. It goes from Seahouses to Tynemouth. I hope the weather is fair on that day!”
David and his wife have the shared target of completing the half marathon in 2 hours 30 minutes.
“An unusual benefit is that me and my wife are getting to spend more time together…even if it is running around Whitley Bay Sea Front. My parents are really helping out by babysitting our seven-year old daughter – they’re loving the chance to spend more time with her.”
Following a day of racing, David will be finishing up with a tour of the company and a round of new product demos. Let’s hope there aren’t too many stairs to climb on the next day!
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