Annual marathon hits the virtual age

The 40th London Marathon is coming to a park in Birmingham and a local man is taking part.

The London Marathon may be cancelled due to coronavirus but it has not stopped local man, Terry Olds, from running it again!

The Virtual 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon will take place on Sunday 4 October and participants will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds to complete the 26.2 miles, which they can choose to run, walk or jog – making the event the most inclusive London Marathon in history.

Terry Olds, from Northfield, will be running the marathon along side two of his friends from Great Run Local Leyhill.

He will be swapping London Bridge and Cutty Sark for Weoley Castle and the Highlander Pub.

They will set off at 9:30am at the bottom of the Holloway in Leyhill Park on Sunday and will follow the following route for the whole 26.2 miles.

This is the second time Mr Olds has taken part and he hopes to beat his time this year.

Normally, the annual marathon would be full of people cheering on at the side of the road but with covid-19 numbers rising, this will not be the case this year.

Terry says how he is disappointed that it has had to happen virtually but in these precedented times, the most important thing is to keep everyone safe. With no-one shouting on the sidelines every step of the way, he said how it will be very difficult.

He says: “After struggling with an injury for a considerable time training has been challenging and very limited.

“At the start of lockdown I missed access to the gym where I usually do most of my training, however the good weather has encouraged me to run and train outdoors.”

With the official app enabling participants to log their times and routes, this will help to bring the virtual experience to life. By doing this, it will enable participants to earn their finisher t-shirt and important medal.

As the race is virtual, it allows people to be more creative with their route and incorporating any fun activities into their time.

“Covid has affected every part of my everyday life, work, home, family and has left me feeling very alone and depressed. I enjoy running as it gives me time to think things over and return home a lot more positive about everything. It also keeps the beer gut down!”

You can support Terry and his friends on Sunday in Leyhill park off the Holloway, B31 1TR.