Running club trio set to tackle London Marathon with individual ambitions - The Solihull Observer

Running club trio set to tackle London Marathon with individual ambitions

Solihull Editorial 21st Apr, 2017   0

A TRIO of borough marathon runners will take to the streets of London this weekend with a 26.2 mile journey to complete, attached with their own personal stories.

Scott Meacham, Hayley McKenna, and Lorna Pursglove have all been training hard in preparation for Sunday’s (April 23) event while raising funds for their chosen charities.

The Balsall Common Run Club trio each have an individual story behind their efforts – and come Sunday afternoon they hope to raise hundreds of pounds between them.

Scott will be running in aid of the Lily Mae Foundation, Lorna will be attempting to complete the course as the fastest woman dressed as a fruit while Hayley will put her best foot forward after losing seven stone in weight.




Having previously completed multiple half marathons, Scott will be going the extra 13.1 miles on Sunday.

The married father-of-two has lived in Balsall Common for 15 years, and he hopes his selection for the marathon can help complete a lifetime ambition.


The 42-year-old said: “Training has been quite full on. I’ve been following a 12 week training plan that includes running five times a week.

“I did have an early injury to deal with but a rest and new trainer helped get me back on track.

“Juggling the frequency of running, work, home and social commitments has been hard, but I’m sure it will all pay off on the day.”

Hayley meanwhile will be completing the marathon just 12 months after struggling to finish a five kilometre run around the streets of her home in Coventry.

The 31-year-old first started running in January 2016 and has since lost more than seven stone in weight after joining her local Slimming World group.

Hayley will join 11 other national ‘slimmers’ in an attempt to collectively raise £12,000 for Cancer Research UK.

She said: “By May last year I was running five kilometres, and a few weeks later I completed my first even ten kilometre run at The Two Castles annual race.

“I continued to lose weight and in October I finished my first ever half marathon, that was when Slimming World asked if I’d consider running the London Marathon.

“Training has been going well, however juggling running with gym classes, family life and work has been tricky.

“I’m looking forward to the big day and crossing the line to see my fiance Chris and my two children.

“My aim is to finish the marathon. That would be amazing given 12 months ago I wasn’t able to run five kilometres.”

Lorna is the last of the three signed up to the marathon, though that doesn’t mean her story isn’t as remarkable.

Having completed two London Marathons already, Lorna will this time take to the course dressed as a fruit – and she hopes to break a Guinness World Record.

The current record for running the London Marathon as a fruit is 4hrs and 13mins. Lorna hopes to use her experience to complete the course in under the current record.

Lorna will be completing the race dressed as a chilli pepper while raising funds for Red Nose Day.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to crossing the finish line and hopefully meet a person from the Guinness World Records with a certificate.

“The feeling when you cross the line is amazing and so emotional.”

Scott, Hayley and Lorna’s efforts coincide with Balsall Common Run Club’s third birthday, which will be celebrated on Wednesday (April 26).

Visit www.balsallcommonrunclub.co.uk for more information about the club.

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