Since starting this blog about marathon running, I’ve been delighted to see how many people have come to have a read and amazed at the numbers of people who’ve been kind enough to leave comments. Thank you, all of you.
Whether you’re an experienced runner, an enthusiastic beginner or someone who is just thinking about getting into running, I hope that there’s lots here to interest you.
Today, I really wanted to celebrate the Running Community. To help spread the word about some of the fabulous things that are happening, here are just a few of the nutters dedicated runners I know who are doing incredible things:
Alex Flynn & 
Rich Merry – these two top the list for amazing endurance. Races that they’ve been a part of include The Marathon des Sables (151 miles across the Sahara), Grand Union Canal Race (145 miles – Rich became temporarily blind during this race), and numerous other races, marathons, triathlons, duathlons and ultras. They are running to raise £1Million for The Cure Parkinson’s Trust Can you even begin to imagine how hard it is to run these sort of distances … now think harder.. Alex was diagnosed with this, currently, incurable disease and has been living and running with Parkinson’s since 2008. Here’s their fundraising page If you have a chance, wish them good luck in the London Triathlon this weekend (7th/8th August 2010)
Marc Jenner and I met just before the Virgin London Marathon thi
s year. Marc is famously known for running late! He arranged with the Virgin London Marathon organisers to be the very last person to start running in this year’s event…and ran in his pyjamas and dressing gown! His challenge was to see how many people he could overtake … and yes, although starting a little over half an hour after me, he overtook me! On October 17th 2010, Marc will be running in the Bucharest City Marathon for Hospices of Hope. As he also works for the charity he’s told me he’s looking for people to run with him. So, if you’re interested in a memorable trip to the wonderful city of Bucharest and can pledge to raise £500 minimum sponsorship, you could secure a package that includes a 2 night stay at the Athenee Palace Hilton Bucharest. Click the poster on the right for more details (that’s Marc in his jammies in the centre!!)
On September 10th 2010, Neil O’Maonaigh-Lennon will be setting off on an epic journey. He will be attempting to run 105 marathons in 105 days! He’ll be setting out from Brighton and running a spectacular route around the whole of the UK! He’s putting himself through this amazing journey in order to raise money for Cancer Research. He’s already completed 30 marathons in 30 days whilst running around Taiwan, so clearly has experience of daft challenges! Neil, I hope to catch up with you on part of your run.
On 3/10/10 Mark Barrow will be running the Mablethorpe Marathon in Lincolnshire. Despite vowing never to do another full marathon again after the extremely hot Edinburgh Marathon, this will be Mark’s second full marathon this year. He ran Edinburgh on behalf of Cancer Support Scotland (Tak-Tent) based within the grounds of Gartnavel Hospital, Glasgow. He’s hoping for a sub four hour run at Mablethorpe. ..Oh, and if you’re wondering what on earth Tak-Tent means .. it’s an old Scots expression meaning Take Care.
When I mentioned to Jemima Gee that I’d like to mention her here, she modestly replied “Not as exciting as London, Bucharest, etc but I’m doing the mini series triathlons that PACTRAC run on Wednesday evenings in Oundle. Along with a very fit bunch of guys and dolls (me not included).” I should point out that Jemima is a lot fitter than she admits – any working Mum should be applauded for not only fitting in the time to train but sorting the scary logistics of family life well enough to allow for competitions. Jemima also ran the Virgin London Marathon and the Race For Life in memory of her Mum, whom she very sadly lost last August to Pancreatic Cancer.
Ray Wise is training for the Marathon des Sables (29/03/2011) and hoping to raise £7,000 for the Meningitis Trust. Ray is not only a great runner and smoothie maker but also an extremely talented photographer .. if you have a minute take a look here to see what I’m talking about. Ray, your recent shots of beaches in Cornwall are stunning… I want a print 
Find out more about Running Events in the UK and the UK Marathon Calendar or if you want to race in the US
As you can tell, there’s a ton of enthusiasm and energy out there. If this all leaves you a little breathless, if this sort of thing isn’t for you but you admire these lot for what they’re doing, can I make a suggestion..?… Please think very seriously about supporting them – whether you want to make a donation to their charity or leave a cheery comment to keep them going on days when all seems desperate .. I will promise you this… they will never forget you and you will always be a part of their journey.
I salute each and every one of you….
You have my deepest admiration!
Wow – incredible achievements listed here – im still wondering why you listed me – lol.. but thanks!.. A salute indeed is what everyone is worthy of here x
That’s what I love about you guys – you’re completely unaware of the great impact you have on others… and, personally, I think the world is a much brighter place with a few nutters in it!!
This is great Joanna
Everyone says i must be mad, so i suppose this makes it offical.
Hats off to all the other nutters – there’s no harm in trying to make the world more fun!!!
Rich Merry recently posted..Tri and Run With CompresSport
I’m slightly worried people are going to think I ALWAYS run in my pyjamas! And I’m still convinced I found a short cut accidentally in London. That’s the only possible explanation as to how I caught you up…
It is very impressive what these guys are achieving. I admire and respect what they are doing. I have always been a very active sports person, but I never quite understood how anybody can run for that long without chasing a ball. That probably qualifies me as a nutter form in a different category…
You see Rich, only a nutter would think that what you do is ‘fun’!!
Seriously, though, the world is a tough place and rarely do we stop to recognise the extraordinary effort that the few make for the many in need.
Joanna
Ha Marc! Clearly the pyjamas help with speed .. although I have a sneaky suspicion there was a jet pack involved too!
Respect where it’s due though.. you were just faster than me. How many London Marathons is that now Marc? 14?! Here’s to many more!
Hi Joanna,
Just wanted to reach out and say hi and just what a fantastic job your are doing here on your blog. You are truly inspiring and all of the achievements that you state above are a true testament to what the human spirit can achieve.
I always enjoy reading your posts,
Beth
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Hi Beth,
Thank you so much for your kind comment. It’s always great to know what people think of the blog and really great to know that you keep coming back for more!
Best wishes
Joanna
Great article, thanks for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed and am looking forward to reading more from you.
Keep up the good work and don’t stop posting please.
Hi Joanna,
Great blog and thanks for the mention. Looking forward to your next blog.
Jemima x
Yep, you’re all barking mad and you’ll never catch me doing anything like that. Never never ever.
Did I tell you I got the all clear from the physio today?
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Ha ha! So the marathons and the Ultra in January don’t count then?! Welcome to the merry band of Nutters .. yes you’re one too!
Hi Joanna,
it’s my great pleasure to be back in the same tribe as yourself and reading your posts.
I always love to see people get up and push themselves to see what’s possible, in this case, athleticism (say that with a mouthful of water) and enduarance. It’s great to ‘know’ you and watch your success.
I’ll be back!
Howard Hughes recently posted..The Children of Genesis
Hi Joanna,
I just applaud all of the people who can do this, it takes endurance and discipline, awesome!
Lori
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Kudos to all the nutters listed here, is incredible spirit and heart on display. Makes me want to join the club, been living in london over many a marathon, and have always had a good excuse for not getting to that starting line. Will get there soon,
Thanks for sharing this post,
Johneal
Johneal Rouse recently posted..7 Ideas to Unlearn – Letting Go of Priced Beliefs
Hi Joanna awesome site you’ve put together – Can’t say I’ve got the constitution for 42k’s – in another life 400m was my optimum effort and that was hard enough – but great to see the support you offer the ‘nutter’ only kidding!! cheers Kiaran
Wow Joanna,
You know some incredibly inspirational people!! A great big ’round of applause’ for these amazingly strong and determined people!! Nutters, yes, but amazing nutters!
Thanks for sharing!
Sue
Sue Collier recently posted..Twitter Trials And Tribulations
Hi Joanna, it just amazes me of the incredible feat runners have…even though I workout, reading through this makes me feel like I’m just standing still…lol! I enjoyed reading as it makes me feel I’ve entered a new & different world, if only for a few minutes
Christine
Hi Joanna, this is my first time here and I want to say thank you. You may just get me into the Marathon mindset if I can just get over hating running
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