Never was so much owed by so many to so few........

Come the 26th April 2009 four brothers will descend on the hallowed streets of London and attempt to conquer the formidable 26 miles and 385 yards which stands before them. That's right, Ben, Alex, Edward and Oliver Gilkes will be taking part in the Flora London Marathon 2009.

The Gilkes Running Team will be raising money for Diabetes UK. Diabetes UK is the leading charity working for people with diabetes, funding research and helping people live with the condition. Their mission is to improve the lives of people with diabetes and to work towards a future without diabetes.

Not only will we be running it, we will be running it with our arms leashed together.

Click here to keep up to date with our training photos on Flickr


Name: Ben Gilkes
Running Style:  The Gallop
Bio: "Ever since the time I came last in the 800 meters at school I have never been a huge fan of running, so this should be a **** experience! One challenge for me will be to try and balance the training and the University experience, sorry Mum, I mean balance the training and the University workload!"


Name: Alex Gilkes (As seen online)
Running Style: Diabetic hobble
Bio:"Already having a London Marathon under my belt, I obviously bring the most experience to the table. Last year was a great experience for me, the actual race day was amazing, the atmosphere was electric and the crowd was so supportive. As for the run itself, it was absolute hell!"


Name: Edward Gilkes
Running Style: Stylish and Playful
Bio: " From my background as a bachelor of science I am officially the self-appointed running team fitness coach. Therefore it is my responsibility to get, knackered-knee Alex, the University bound Ben, Older bro Olly and myself into shape for this event. The odds may be against us, but I'm sure we'll get it done."


Name: Oliver Gilkes
Running Style: City Slicker
Bio: " I'm far too busy with my City job to write anything here."


Associate Managers...

Graham Rose: PR Manager

Jackie Morgan: Team Stylist

David Roach: Speech Writer


Quotes from the media:

Ben Gilkes "It's going to be a walk/run in the park"
Alex Gilkes "Been there, done that, got the running vest"
Edward Gilkes "I'm a P.E. teacher, it'll be easy"
Oliver Gilkes "I don't want to run today, I'm dehydrated and have shin splints"
Paula Radcliffe "I need the toilet"
David Manning (Team Health and Safety Officer) "My sponsorship total will depend on miles completed per person, plus an E Gilkes vow of silence. (For the marathon: £0.50 per mile per person; thereafter: £10 per continuous day of said E. Gilkes staying silent)"
Sam Hancock "Nowadays you struggle to find a group of close knit brothers dedicated to their work, who put the needs of others in front of their own. Beautiful and all with glamorous hairstyles, never could you expect to warm to a family as much as we all have done with these guys over the years. Yes, we all miss the band Hanson, but lets look to the Gilkes' as some sort of soggy excuse as runners and thoroughly condone what they are doing for diabetes."

Thanks for visiting The Gilkes Running Team's fundraising page.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Diabetes UK gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor The Gilkes Running Team now!