A huge thank you to Mike who ran the 2020 London Marathon in memory of his good friend, Phil.
Mike has raised almost £3500 for NCUK!! and although the official event in London was cancelled, Mike still wanted to complete the challenge so ran the marathon where him and Phil grew up.
Here’s what Mike had to say:
On the 4th October 2020, I will be running the 40th London Marathon all 26.2 miles alone from Watford to Fulham. Why Fulham, well this is where Phil and I grew up and it was the last time I saw him on his way to his funeral service. Finishing time is irrelevant, it is just getting there is my goal and to show my gratitude to those kind sponsors. I am hoping to be joined by members of Phil’s family and friends on the last two miles as we make our way to the gates of Fulham Football Club.
MISSION COMPLETE!!
What a horrible day it was yesterday, I had to endure 5 hours of rain, wind and cold from Watford to Fulham.
I set of at 7 am and did continuous running for 5 hours and 3 mins, with exception of puddles (lakes in some places), kerbs, traffic, traffic lights, people etc. A person was never going to achieve a good time with all these obstacles in the way, plus the weather.
For me is was not about time, but finishing. Serious training had stopped earlier in March, when the April date was cancelled. I never thought any type of race was going to take place this year, so training tailored to the occasional 5 mile run, or more recently 8 mile run.
Since March I have only ran as far as 8 miles twice, so to complete 26.2 miles in one go, 18 more than I had experienced, was satisfying.
I had my son with me all the way on a bike, and in the last few miles and at the finish was met by Philip’s three daughter’s, grandchildren, sister, my brother and friends.
I hope the money will come in good use, in a year where COVID-19 has hit the income of all charities.
We honestly can’t thank you enough Mike. I know Phil would have been with you all of the way to the finish line.
