Thanks for stopping by. For some unfathomable reason five years ago I decided it might be "fun" to complete a marathon, so entered the London Marathon.

After 5 attempts I have a place for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon - which I deferred to 2013 because of injury

I particularly wanted to get my own place rather than a charity place for fundraising reasons: -

- I get to choose the charity/charities I want to support

- None of the sponsorship gets lost in paying for the golden bond charity place

I have chosen to support two charities, Oxfam and WWF. Both of which I would like to support more regularly but with finances as they are I can't - so the next best thing seems to be to torture myself so others give on my behalf!

I have not chosen these charities just to get a place in the marathon. I have my own place and have chosen these charities.

Please, if you can find a few quid to donate to WWF or Oxfam through my Just Giving pages I would be very grateful as I'm sure WWF and Oxfam would be.

If you want to follow my progress you can at www.benmarathon.com or follow me on Twitter @bensmarathon

Oxfam page: www.justgiving.com/bensmarathon-oxfam

WWF page: www.justgiving.com/bensmarathon-wwf

Ben.