A Richmond Rotarian who was due to run his 25th London Marathon this month has taken up the 2.6 Challenge instead.
The 2.6 Challenge encourages people to to exercise and raise money for charity by, for example, running 2.6 miles, doing 26 press ups or climb the stairs 26 times.
With prompting from a fellow Rotarian and at short notice, Ian set up the Skeeby Challenge Half Marathon, deciding to run the usual marathon 26.2 miles divided by two on April 26.
Running from his home on local roads, 72-year-old Ian completed the course in 2 hours 14 minutes.
To comply with social distancing, Ian was the only entrant and joked that for the first time ever he came first in a race.
He said: “It is great to be able to do something to help charities who have been so badly hit by the lockdown.
“I have had tremendous support from many sponsors and so far have received over £600 to go from Richmond Rotary Club to Herriot Hospice Homecare.”
Rotary president Chris Kirby congratulated Ian on his achievement and commented.
“Ian’s determination not to let recent events prevent him from making an important contribution to the community is a great example to us all and in the very best tradition of Rotary clubs around the world.”
In the meantime Ian is already looking forward to completing his 25th London Marathon in 2021.
