Well, I did it! But not without a jumbo incident 2 days before race day! You can read more on this link http://www.rafa.org.uk/What-we-do/News/Grandfather-flees-herd-of-wild-elephants-in-marathon-scare

This page remains open until end of October, so there is still time to support RAFA!

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On 18th March I finished the Maratona di Roma (Rome Marathon), my first full marathon for 8 years and definitely my last (probably!). OK, I’m getting slower as I grow less young but I was more than happy with my time. Some way in front of me was my son, Chris, and his RAF Regiment colleague, Kevin, both running their first marathons. They raised a huge amount of cash for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) and I would like to continue this good work on my second challenge of 2012, the Big 5 half marathon on June 23rd.

On the face of it, a half marathon in South Africa should be no problem having completed a full marathon in Rome. However, although the Rome marathon started and finished at the ancient Colosseum, it has been many centuries since lions roamed around there. Lions do, however, live in the game reserve in South Africa in which the half marathon takes place, along with other members of Africa’s big 5, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. During the race, there will be no fences or rivers that separate the runners from the African wildlife – a good incentive not to hang around! http://www.big-five-marathon.com/

The RAF Association does not receive any direct Government funding and therefore relies on the generosity of the public and the continued support from its members, donors and the Branch network in generating funds to provide the level of welfare and care that is so rightly deserved by the RAF Family and their dependants in need.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.