The former chairman of Endurance GB, John Hudson, is gearing up to run the Flora London Marathon for the second year in succession on 18 April.
John completed the gruelling 26.2mile race last year in 4hr 50min and raised £2,500 for the ILPH (International League for the Protection of Horses). He is determined to better his time this year, aiming at 1sec under the 4hr 30min mark, and raise a significant sum for his chosen charity, Spinal Research.
“Running the marathon is a totally unique experience,” John told HHO. “You are surrounded by thousands of other runners and spectators but when it comes down to it, it’s just you and the 26miles.
“I chose Spinal Research as I have done a lot of work with the charity previously. It was the official charity for Endurance GB’s Alfred’s Tower ride, and I’m delighted to be supporting them with my marathon run this year.”
Spinal Research has been the British Equestrian Federation’s official charity since the introduction of the “Saddle Up” campaign in 2000. The campaign has raised more than £120,000 to date to help pioneer the repair of injuries to the spinal cord, which are commonly suffered by riders in bad falls.
Carol Borwick, Spinal Research’s head of fund-raising, says: “It’s fantastic that John has chosen Spinal Research to benefit from the sponsorship he will raise from running this year’s marathon. I am always amazed and delighted with the events and activities – not all related to the equestrian world – that individuals undertake to raise money for Spinal Research.”
John says he is looking forward to the race, and has his own tip to help budding marathon runners make it to the finishing line — jelly babies.
“I will be running with a bum-bag full of jelly babies this time. Last year I drank lots of water around the course but ran out of fuel at 23miles. This year I will be keeping my sugar intake up by eating jelly babies along the way,” says John.
Anyone wishing to support John in his marathon run can send at cheque made payable to “Spinal Research” to John Hudson, Springdale, Cove, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 7RT.
For more information about the work of Spinal Research, visit: www.spinal-research.org
