But at least Russell WBHO site manager David Ragan was still smiling after he clocked up 27.5 miles on Sunday running the first ever Virtual London Marathon.
As a marathon is meant to be a mere 26.2 miles, David’s extra efforts meant his official time was a touch over his five-hour target, with the VLM app registering his run at 5hr 1min 52 secs. And despite missing the crowds lining the streets of the capital, David did have two very special supporters join him for the last lap of the day, his sons Joseph and Finley on their bikes.
“It went really well and it was great having the kids with me for the last stretch. My wife decorated the house and told all the neighbours what I was doing, so there was a good reception for me at the end which was really nice.
“I’m not totally sure of my exact time for the marathon. I’d worked out a route which took me round Bamber Bridge six times, but it was clearly just a little bit longer. I’m not really that bothered, the main thing was raising money for the NSPCC and I’m delighted to have raised more than £400.
“I’m going to have a little rest but I’ll start training again soon for next year’s event. Hopefully that will be in London and I’ll get the chance to experience the crowds and the atmosphere, and of course raise more money for the NSPCC.”
Anyone wanting to help David reach his £500 fundraising target can donate online here.
