Mum runs London’s virtual marathon around town
Susan Dragoonis was supposed to take part in the London Marathon last Sunday. But due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the huge event was cancelled.
But this didn’t put a stop to Susan striding out around East Kilbride to r un 26.2 miles, and in the process raising funds for the NSPCC.
Susan, 38, told the News: “This was supposed to be my first ever marathon.
“But I wasn’t going to let my training go to waste so I decided to get involved in the 40th race virtually along with 45,000 others around the world in a truly unique experience.
“I was given a charity place with the NSPCC around April this year with a target to raise £2200.
“Unfortunately not every child out there has the love and support growing up that I had as a child, or that my own two children are now so lucky to have.
“The work that this charity does is invaluable and especially so important at the moment through the midst of a pandemic.
“The charity was struggling with the increased volume of calls through the pandemic. So I wanted to try and help.”
And so Susan managed to track down some local runners who were also supposed to be taking part in the marathon and took to the old EK 10k course to get their miles in.
Mum- o f - t wo, S u s a n a d d e d : “I managed to get in touch with Vinny Meechan and Elsbeth Thomas who were both experienced locals when it came to running marathons.
“And we decided to run four laps of the old EK 10k course to complete the 26.2mile journey.
“Our times were officially recorded on the Virgin London Marathon App.
“And we had friends and family and just locals who were out and about giving us support along the way, it was great.
“We didn’t really all know each other to begin with.
“We came together to support one another and our friends and family were all there to cheer us on too. It’s a stor y of challenge, perseverance, friendship and community.
“I c o mpl e t e d t h e marat h o n i n 5 hours and 17 minutes with both Elsbeth and Vinny just over four hours which is a great result.
“Th r o u g h a l l t h e p hy s i c a l a n d mental pain a marathon brings, all in all It truly was a unique experience and one that we all won’t forget.”
And now Susan will now look f or ward t o r unning i n L ondon on the new date of Sunday, October 3, next year to again raise funds for the NSPCC.
To d o n a t e t o S u s a n ’s c a u s e , you can visit her page: https:// uk.virginmoneygiving. com/18041_7589676_93903.