My Story

About us

The London Marathon has become an annual, inspiring and colourful fixture in the world’s sporting calendar since the inaugural race on 29 March 1981: a celebration of fun, fundraising and fancy dress.

From saying I wasn't going to do a marathon this year to deciding in about 2minutes to this fantastic opportunity at the weekend to represent East Durham Veterans from my home town and take on the London Marathon is a challenge I couldn't turn down, they provide support for Veterans covering all aspects of what life's challenges may have and support each and every one of them for whatever they need. It's a fantastic charity to which my school friend Leanne Kennedy supported immensely especially during those difficult times in Covid 19 days. Leanne tragically passed away in September 2023 due to a short illness so taking on this challenge will honour her along with her family too. The centre is now called the Leanne Kennedy Community Centre and is a fantastic charity doing very important work 

Over the years more than a million people have completed the 26.2-mile course – which runs from Blackheath to The Mall, with a spectacular finish in front of Buckingham Palace, showcasing the very best that the capital city has to offer.

What’s more, these participants have raised over a billion pounds for charity and there have been countless amazing tales of human achievement throughout the event’s history – living up to its aim of helping participants ‘to have fun, and provide some happiness and sense of achievement in a troubled world’.