Dad’s marathon effort raises cash for good causes

A runner from Ashford has refused to let lockdown trip him up after completing a marathon in his home town.

Chris Linkins from Park Farm completed a 26-mile circuit in and around the town to raise thousands of pounds for a number of charities.

The father-of-two decided to take on the challenge after the Manchester Marathon was cancelled, and the London Marathon postponed.

He explained: “I have been running for six years and this is my seventh marathon - although it’s the first one with no spectators.

“Almost two years ago, my youngest son was diagnosed with autism, and several charities have been absolutely instrumental in getting him where he is today.

“Previously, I’ve been raising money for big national charities - and I wouldn’t go back and change that at all - but I thought it was time that I gave back to the charities that have helped us so much, and still continue to do so.”

Starting and ending near his home, Chris completed a course of 26.21 miles in three hours and 26 minutes.

He said: “I actually managed to shave three minutes and 40 seconds off my personal best!

“The heat got a bit tough at the end and it felt really odd doing it without any spectators, but my wife and two boys came out and supported me.

“They boys even made me a sign and a special medal!”

After completing his ‘socially-distanced’ marathon, Chris is now setting his sights on completing the London race when it is scheduled to run in October.

He explained: “With the money raised from the run and a few fundraisers before we went into lockdown, I’ve managed to raise £2,500.

“The money will be going to the National Autistic Society, as well as the Includes Us 2 charity, Wyvern School & Footprints Nursery who have helped us so much.

“I’m hoping to reach £3,000 before I run in London in October.”

If you would like to donate to Chris’s fundraising page, visit bit.ly/3dzfaGz

The marathon route that Chris Linkins, below, took