Meet our Derbion Ramathon Runner: Kofi

Kofi Clark, who is competing in this June’s Derbion Ramathon, pulled his running shoes on during the first lockdown in 2020, and hasn’t looked back since.

We catch up with Kofi, who is a painter 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 4^th June 2023.

Check out our Q&A with Kofi below.

What made you decide that you wanted to take part in the Ramathon?

I personally really enjoy running and the challenge of events such as the Ramathon – as it provides me with a chance to beat my finish time! Running events always have a great atmosphere on the day as well, so that’s another thing that spurs me to take part!

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

I’ve always been into running but I decided to take it more seriously during the first lockdown in 2020, and this will be the second Ramathon that I’ve taken part in.

What has your training regime been like?

I’ve been working on a 14-week training programme, which has a mixture of speed, long and recovery runs. I followed this programme when I was training for my first Ramathon so have decided to repeat it for this year’s race.  

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

Yes, luckily I’m able to fit my training around my fulltime job as a painter and I either run before or after work.

What are your top training tips?

I’d say be consistent and patient during your training, and make sure you get plenty of rest and eat healthily.  

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

We're hoping to raise £1,000 to support our Derbion Cares charity of the year: Children First Derby by running the Derbion Ramathon. The charity aims to relieve the distress and suffering of children in the local area by providing life-changing support to vulnerable children, young people and families.

If you would like to donate, please visit our JustGiving crowdfunding page and help us to get to our target.

What is on your running playlist?
I personally like to have a mixture of music for different stages of long runs – this includes music with a slow tempo like R&B at the beginning of the run, before listening to hip-hop mid-run and finishing off with either grime or drum and base to push me through the final stage of the run.

Do you have a pre-run ritual?
The night before the race day I make sure I eat well and fuel up and get plenty of rest.

What is the best thing about taking part?

For me it’s definitely taking part, soaking up the brilliant atmosphere and meeting and being amongst all the other runners.

How will you celebrate at the end of the run?

Enjoying the finishers pack that are handed out at the end of the race and getting plenty of rest!