A number of runners from Guernsey will be among the 56,000 entrants at the start line for this weekend’s 2025 London Marathon.
The iconic 26.2mile race takes place on Sunday.
The elite wheelchair competitors will be first off the line at 08:50, followed by the elite women at 09:05. The elite men will set off at 09:35.
The ‘mass event’ – which will feature the majority of the charity place holders and athletics club members – starts between 09:35 and 11:30.
Among the Guernsey runners are Triathletes Ethan Woodhead and Lindsay Sword who will both be representing the island in Orkney at this summer’s Island Games.
Chris Norman, Clint King, and Laura Cornelius are also running the London Marathon.
Among the charity runners are Emma Clayton and Jo Jalowiec who have been training together.
They are raising money for the Lord Taverner’s and St Catherine’s Hospice respectively.
Emma previously ran the London Marathon in 2015 while it’s a first time around for Jo.
They have each exceeded their fundraising targets already having arranged a quiz night and meat draw, raffles, cake sales and other events to support their charities.
Fellow charity runner, Steve le Flem (pictured top) is raising money for the Guernsey Motor Neurone charity in honour of his two cousins and his uncle who all lost their lives to the neurodegenerative condition.
Ken, Lee and Mark Hockaday were all 40 or under when they passed away. There’s no cure for MND and in most cases it’s severely life-shortening.
Steve has already raised more than £15k – far exceeding his £5k target – and said he’s been overwhelmed by the support from his loyal customers, suppliers, family, and friends.
He plans to continue fundraising for both the national and local charities and hopes people will continue to give money in the run up to Sunday’s London Marathon.
“It’s such an honour to be raising money for the MNDA,” Steve said, “but I’m passionate about supporting the local community & the Guernsey Motor Neurone charity who provide support and equipment to anyone in the Bailiwick diagnosed with the disease and their families.
“The charity do an incredible job and losing three members of my family & having friends affected by MND has brought me all too close to the incredibly cruel nature of Motor Neurone Disease.
“It’s heartbreaking watching those you love losing their mobility and quality of life.”
Commenting on Steve’s marathon fundraising, GMN’s Publicity Officer, Susie Hunt thanked him, and all those who have supported him.
“Without people like Steve, we simply couldn’t afford to help as many people with MND as we do. Losing three members of his family to MND is tragic but Steve’s determination to support our charity is an example to us all. We can’t thank him enough.”