Two experienced long distance runners Hollie Francis and Kieran Merrick, from the Hereford Couriers Running Club, are putting their best feet forward later this month and running the ‘virtual’ London Marathon in aid of the Royal National College for the Blind.
Hollie and Kieran will be taking on their own 26.2 mile route on Sunday 23 April, the same day that the race is officially held in London. They will start and finish their virtual challenge at Hereford Leisure Centre.
50,000 runners will be pounding the streets of London on that day, with many thousands more completing the marathon in their local areas, raising funds for causes that are close to their hearts.
Hollie is running her sixth marathon, having completed the London Marathon twice. Kieran took up long distance running four years ago and now runs to and from work every day as part of a training regime. Kieran hasn’t been able to secure a place at the London Marathon yet, but is no stranger to marathons, having taken on a 43-mile ultra marathon in South Wales.
Both are pleased to be running for ‘such a good local cause’ and excited to be part of the world’s largest marathon. They have planned their own route around Hereford, with snack/water stations, and will track their distances and times using the official London Marathon app, in order to receive the coveted medal and t-shirt on completion.
To support Hollie and Kieran’s efforts for RNC, please visit their official marathon fundraising pages below:
***Update*** London Marathon comes to Hereford – they did it!
Congratulations to Hereford Couriers Running Club athletes Hollie and Kieran, who completed the 2023 Virtual TCS London Marathon together in 4 hours, 34 minutes.
Huge thanks also, to all of the couriers who ran beside them to give support and encouragement en route and to the staff at Hereford Leisure Centre for helping them on the day.
Not forgetting RNC’s Fundraising Manager, Melanie, and volunteers Chris and Owain for manning the snack and drinks station for their epic run.
Most of all a massive thank you to Hollie and Kieran for undertaking this enormous challenge on behalf of RNC and raising over £500 in the process.
For photos from the day click here.