Group leaders successful in Virgin London Marathon guaranteed entry ballot
29 January 2013
Congratulations to two Run England group leaders who have been drawn from a ballot of active group leaders to win a guaranteed entry into the 2013 Virgin London Marathon.
John Kane is group leader for the 17-strong Running Fitness – Tuesdays group based at The University of Liverpool.
John was shocked and delighted to be given the chance to run in the Virgin London Marathon, especially since he has had a number of unsuccessful applications over the last few years.
Sarah Russell is group leader for the aptly-named ‘Sarah’s Runners’ and is an experienced runner and fully qualified Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF). Her group is one of Run England’s most thriving groups and boasts a membership of more than 60 runners!
It is a friendly and welcoming group for beginner and intermediate runners in Tunbridge Wells and has been established for over eight years and has grown with the support of Run England.
Sarah caters for her huge group thanks to a team of 17 ‘support coaches’ who are experienced runners, members of Tunbridge Wells Harriers, or runners who have come through the 'Sarah's Runner's group themselves.
A special mention must also go out to Neil Gunn – group leader for the Macclesfield group – who was originally drawn but kindly forfeited his place due to injury. Neil has been suffering from the old runner’s woe of Achilles Tendinitis and so we wish him the best of luck with his recovery and return to action.
Neil’s group is is closely linked to Macclesfield Harriers & A.C. It has around 30 registered members of which around 14 to 20 attend each week and also has a great blog with the weekly post being a highlight for his members which helps to motivate them in their running. Check it out at www.macclesfield-run-england.blogspot.co.uk.
Thank you to all the group leaders who entered the ballot and good luck to both John and Sarah!