Evesham man successful in London marathon run for charity

Duncan Day from Evesham ran the course on April 21 for the charity Health Action Poverty, a "worthwhile" cause, saying, you never know what situation you could be in in the future.

The 56-year-old first ran the marathon in 1986 and did not expect to do as well as he did. 

Mr Day said: "I was not expecting too much but it went a lot better than I thought. 

"When I was younger, my personal record was four and a half hours, but now I am 56 and I managed to finish in five hours and fifteen minutes.

"I had a few problems halfway through with my knee and my hip but other then that it was amazing."

Enjoying running more than ever, he was unsuccessful in the main draw, but was given a charity spot. 

With a goal of raising £2,000, he has since raised over £2,100 with "a few more donations to come", achieving the goal the night before the race.

London marathon: Duncan Day (Image: Duncan Day)

Mr Day continued: "Overall I am really pleased. 

"The weather was perfect even if it was a bit chilly to start, but the crowds were fantastic. 

"I thought that because of my late start that there would be no crowds, but I was wrong. 

"There were big crowds all along the course and they gave a huge boost.

Enjoying the activity more than ever, Mr Day said that he had already entered for the marathon next year. 

Mr Day said: "I am still on a bit of a come down with all of the messages of support. 

"I enjoyed it more than ever. 

"I have lost a stone in weight and I am much better physically and mentally.

"It was beyond my wildest dreams, it was a great weekend. 

"After I had finished the race and even on the train back to Evesham, people were coming and congratulating me."

Mr Day finished off the race by going for a traditional fish and chips in the capital with his girlfriend.