A LOCAL veteran from Dorridge will be taking on the Virtual London Marathon this October to raise money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Simon Smith, aged 40, was due to run the London Marathon for SSAFA this April, but following the Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown, the race was cancelled.
Fortunately, the London Marathon team created a virtual version in its place, allowing runners to take on the challenge virtually alongside thousands of other runners on October 4.
“I was devastated that the London Marathon couldn’t go ahead as planned in April, but I’m really looking forward to taking part in the event virtually,” said Simon.
Simon joined the Army in 1997 and served for ten years with the Royal Green Jackets, with tours in Northern Ireland, Canada, Sierra Leone and Iraq.
He has previously run eight marathons, with a personal best of 2 hours 59 minutes and completed Ironman Wales in 2017 – a 140 mile race, incorporating swimming, cycling and running.
The live virtual event on Sunday, October 4 will invite runners to run the London Marathon in their own way, joining up to 45,000 runners up and down the country – and across the world – in the virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon, The 40th Race.
Simon is raising money for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
“SSAFA were always there for us as soldiers and they provide lifelong support to the Armed Forces community and their families, wherever and whenever they need it.”
To support Simon – and SSAFA – visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/brummierunnersi
