Press release The Powerade team of amateur runners currently featuring in a national TV advertising campaign have hit a setback in their training for a Swiss Alpine Marathon in July. Coach Hannah Shields dislocated her ankle in an accident on the Mourne mountains at the weekend, after completing a major session with team member Angeline Sloan.
“I had gone up for a run on Sunday, conditions were poor and I slipped on a downhill slope,” said Shields who was the first Northern Irish lady to climb Mount Everest two years ago. “The doctor has confirmed it is not broken however, and while I am on crutches at the moment I am hoping to get back on course with the team as soon as possible.”
Shields was carried down the mountain by colleagues after the accident which happened on Sunday afternoon.
“We had been talking about how important it was to handle underfoot conditions only on Saturday,” said Powerade team member Angeline Sloan. “At least we are strong enough now, and well into our training to handle this setback. It will be unsettling though the next time we each set foot on a downhill slope.”
Powerade will not be appointing a replacement coach but will be monitoring the situation closely. The second advertisement following the teams preparations is currently airing on TV in Northern Ireland and the Republic. News of the accident broke on the campaign website www.nevergiveup.ie this morning.