Frankie is taking on the Derbion RAM 5 Mile

Frankie Burchill, who is taking part in this June’s Derbion Ram 5 Mile, is set to put her running shoes on once again, and take part in the event for the second time.

We catch up with Frankie, who is marketing and promotions manager at Derbion, the East Midlands’ leading retail and leisure destination and also the title sponsor of the Derbion Ramathon, RAM 5 Mile and Team Challenge, all of which take place on Sunday 30 June 2024.

Check out our Q&A with Frankie below.

• What made you decide to take part in the Ram 5 Mile this year?

I challenged myself to complete the Derbion Ram 5 Mile last year and surprised myself by how much I enjoyed it on race day, so I’m challenging myself again this year and hoping to beat last years’ time!

This year, team Derbion are running the events in aid of local children and young people’s charity, Umbrella, and I hope to raise some funds for the team so they can continue their amazing work.

• How long have you been running for and have you took part in the event before?

If I’m totally honest, I’m not an avid runner and I haven’t ran much since the Ram 5 Mile last year. However, I’ve got a training plan now in place for this year with the ultimate aim of beating my time last year, and I’m looking forward to completing the plan over the coming weeks in the lead up to the event.

• How has your training regime been so far?

As part of my training plan I’m hoping to run three times a week, and I also have dogs and horses to look after so they will also keep me busy and active alongside my running routine! 

• How have you fitted in training with your day to day job?

Now spring has finally arrived and the evenings are lighter, I am planning to run after work and on weekends, starting off with three times a week so that I keep on top of it.

• What are your top training tips?

Plan out what is achievable for you so you will stick to your routine. I’d also recommend not doing what I did when I ran the Derbion Ram 5 Mile last year (not much training at all…) – I already feel so much better with a plan in place for this year.

• Do you have a time you’re aiming for? What’s your goal?

Last year I completed the Derbion Ram 5 Mile (with no training) in 1:04, so this year I really want to beat that time and perhaps push myself for sub an hour!

• Are you raising funds for a particular charity? How can we donate?

Yes, as a team we’re raising funds for Umbrella. As a charity, they provide regional support, resources and guidance to disabled children, young people and their families, and it’s wonderful to know our fundraising efforts will help children and young people, and their families, across Derbyshire.

You can find out more about Umbrella and donate via our Just Giving page here: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/corporate/derbion/derbion-cares-supporting-umbrella-derby-and-derbyshire

• What is on your running playlist?

A bit of everything! I find myself listening to a wide mix of genres but find songs that are upbeat and positive keep me going and push me through the final stretch of my runs.

• What’s your favourite way to recover after a training session?

Simple: stretch, eat and relax!

• How will you celebrate at the end of the run?

Good question, I have no idea! Crisps hold a special place in my heart so I’ll probably indulge in my favourite: Doritos, Cool Original (at the moment!).

• What would you say to those who are thinking about running the Derbion Ramathon or Ram 5 Mile this year?

The atmosphere is brilliant and all of the people supporting you across the city really do help you push through! Last year, so many strangers were telling me how well I was doing when inside I didn’t feel that way – it’s really uplifting and motivating.

It’s also a great chance to challenge yourself and try something new, so I’d say to just go for it and sign up, you won’t regret it!

The Derbion RAM 5 Mile is set to take place on Sunday 30th June and will be taking place on the same day as the Ramathon. To find out more and to sign up, click here