Three Panathlon supporters (Callan, Alex and Nancy pictured above with their medals) braved roasting hot temperatures to run the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon and raise a cumulative amount of well over £10,000 for the Panathlon charity.
Alex Glencross, from supporters Aspen, ran, walked and jogged his first ever marathon and whilst he pounded along the Embankment at 24 miles, a fellow runner came alongside having seen his Panathlon t-shirt and asked him if he worked for the charity? Alex said, “No, I’m just running this and doing a bit of fundraising.”
The enquiring runner then said, “My son took part in a Panathlon event and it has changed his life!” She then ran off in to the distance! If that was you, please do get in touch with us – we’d love to know more. (Support Alex’s fundraising page here.) Alex turns 50 today (Monday 28 April) – many happy returns!
Nancy Woolmer was also running in her London first marathon having been rejected for many years in the public ballot but secured her place through the Panathlon charity. She has volunteered several times through her employer, Panathlon’s long-term supporter the Woodland Group. which means Nancy has seen herself the impact Panathlon has for thousands of young people.
Nancy (right) said, “Seeing so many signs ‘remember your why’ along the way really helped me dig deep during the final miles. I hope the money raised will go on to support many children across the UK.” You can help by donating to Nancy’s fundraising page here.
She added: “Yesterday is proof that you can do anything you put your mind to. I love a challenge but did start to think this one may have been a little out of my reach. I put absolutely everything I had into it. The most indescribable, overwhelming but inspirational day. A day I’ll never, ever forget.”
And our fastest runner of the day, in a very speedy 3.16.55, was Callan Coughlan, who managed this despite some physical problems that ‘slowed’ him down along the way. Callan said, “Thank you for the opportunity, Panathlon, it was an absolute pleasure to run for your charity!” Here’s Callan’s fundraising page.
And finally a huge well done to Panathlon Ambassador Nathan Maguire, coming a very credible 10th place in the men’s wheelchair race on his debut! Well done Nathan! Hope to see you at a Panathlon event sometime soon!
A final thank you to everyone that has supported our runners this year, every penny donated will go directly to providing more sporting competitions for Panathletes in 2025!
