News & Events

News & Events / MPCT’s Natasha Kirk completes Cardiff 10K: “with the discipline and work ethic MPCT instilled in me, I knew it was achievable”

MPCT’s Natasha Kirk completes Cardiff 10K: “with the discipline and work ethic MPCT instilled in me, I knew it was achievable”

 One of our Head Office CTA’s and previous Learner of MPC Newport, Natasha Kirk, provided us with some heart-warming and motivating words after successfully completing the Cardiff 10K on Sunday 2nd September 2018. 

 

 

When I left the college in April I didn’t want to lose the high level of fitness I gained and stay disheartened from the delay in my Army application, so I signed myself up for 2 races, the first being the Cardiff 10k!

I knew I was going to have to train harder now that I was in an desk-based job here at MPCT Head Office, but with the discipline and work ethic MPCT instilled in me I knew it was achievable. It meant giving up my free time and summer to run after work, but every day was getting me closer to where I needed to be!

You get out what you put in with running, and as what MPCT stands for – by failing to prepare you are preparing to fail so it had to be done!

When it came to Race Day, there was so much support and a real sense of camaraderie. I realised quickly that all the preparation had paid off, and I managed to achieve my personal best time of 44.14 minutes! To see MPCT Cardiff at the end there who handed out the medals and gifts and cheered us all on was very special!

My advice to learners would be simply to keep showing up, not every run you do will feel good but every run counts! Take care of your body with fuelling and hydrating. And finally enjoy the benefits of running and any PT you do- it reduces stress, anxiety, boosts self-esteem as well as lays a good foundation of fitness for your future armed forces careers.   

I now look forward to taking on my next race – The Cardiff Half Marathon on 7 October!

 

 

It can be seen that MPCT has had a hugely positive effect on Natasha, and we love having her on board here at Head Office. We know you’ll want to get behind her for her next race, so the link to donate is provided below.

DONATE HERE

Back to news articles

Exploring Careers in the Armed Forces: More Than You Think.

When people think about careers in the Armed Forces, it’s often reduced to one image, life on the front line. But in reality, the Armed Forces offer a huge range of career opportunities, many of which don’t involve combat at all. From technical roles to healthcare, logistics to communications, there are hundreds of career paths...

Read more

MPCT Celebrates Learner Success at Manchester and Teesside Awards Ceremonies.

MPCT proudly celebrated the achievements of learners across its Military Academies this February, with standout awards ceremonies taking place in Manchester and Teesside. These events brought together learners, staff, families and local partners to recognise the dedication, progress and ambition shown by learners as they work towards their future careers. The Manchester Awards Ceremony was...

Read more

Discover Your Future in the Armed Forces with MPCT and AFCO Online Briefings.

Are you ready to take your first step towards a rewarding career in the British Armed Forces? MPCT Military Academies, in partnership with the Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO), are running weekly online briefings to help you prepare, plan, and progress towards your goals. These interactive sessions take place every Thursday at 1900 hrs via...

Read more

Preparing Young People for Life Beyond the Classroom.

At MPCT, young learners are pushed to be their best physically, mentally, and emotionally. In our latest video, viewers get an inside look at life at MPCT and witness first-hand how our programmes support learners in developing confidence, resilience and real career-ready skills. Whether you’re considering a future in the British Armed Forces, uniformed services,...

Read more

🎅 MPCT Launches Annual Santa Dash to Celebrate Another Incredible Year 🎄

As we head towards the festive season and prepare for a well-deserved Christmas break, MPCT is once again bringing the Christmas spirit to life with our annual 5k Santa Dash Fancy Dress Fun Run, all in support of the Motivation and Learning Trust. Throughout December, learners and staff across our academies will be donning their...

Read more

2026 School Leaver Keep In Touch Days.

‘Keep in Touch’ Days will be held on Friday 27th March 2026, Friday 1st May 2026 and Friday 19th June 2026. Starting at 13:00 and finishing at 14:30 for all locations apart from Manchester and Chorley, which will be 10:00 – 11:30. To book your place, please call Learner Support on 0303 003 3677 or...

Read more