Marathon effort to keep up with the London runners

A DERBYSHIRE man completed the London Marathon after starting running from his own doorstep.

Richard Young, of Woodville, took on the 26-mile course by running around Woodville, Conkers, the Ashby Canal, Measham and finishing off at Albert Village.

The 52-year-old, who has type one diabetes, has raised more than £400 for Diabetes UK.

He said: “It has been really tough, but I feel very accomplished in the fact that I have been able to complete the 26 miles.

“I started my run at 8am upon leaving my house in Woodville and then running to Measham, then returning to Albert Village lake.

“I then ran around the lake eleven times with support from family and friends. I really struggled after 14 miles, however lots of random people saw I was wearing my Virgin marathon number and gave their support.

“I am currently sitting down on an ice bag. My knee has been really hurting me, but I was able to finish.

“My family and friends have given me great support today and it was great to see them as I completed the run.”

Richard has had diabetes since he was 37 and his family has supported the charity over the years, with his wife Kate completing a similar challenge last year, running 22 laps of the Albert Village lake, equating to the 26 miles of the London Marathon.

Richard completed his miles in six hours, 34 minutes.

It hasn’t been plain sailing for the runner though, as the furthest he had run in the build up to his challenge was seven miles.

He said: “I had been taking Ibuprofen, but not eating with it and it had removed the lining in my stomach, so I couldn’t run on one of the weekends when I had planned to do a half marathon.

“So the furthest I had run was about seven miles. It was a tough slog doing the 26 miles today.

“I had to do a bit of walking as the miles wore on after mile 14, but it was all good and I was able run a bit towards the end as well.

“I’m in a lot of pain at the moment, but I’m sure there will be quite a few people feeling similar things down in London after completing the marathon around the city.

“It was good to raise the money we have as well. The sum of £400 is not to be sniffed at and hopefully we can get it up to £500.”

To add to Richard’s total, visit https:// uk. virginmoneygiving. com/richardyoung49