The Virgin London Marathon 2012 on Sunday coming is the end of the line for Pavlos Roadrunner as the boots get hung up and the feet get a break after 36 months of mentalist action...

In the last 36 months, my close friend, and ex colleague Gary O'Connor at WestLB have put in excess of GBP 10k in the bank for the RNIB via this site you are looking at and also the original www.justgiving.com/gary-o-connor ... Its been an incredible challenge for me. What started a few years ago as an escape and way to switch off has rapidly turned into an addiction, and indeed many who know me have said I am a fanatic! They say many runners are a little off centre..I think you have got to be to be in this game! It is certainly true in my case.

You have all read below.. you know the deal... in the unlikely event you havent, check it out and the results... and also the original site, www.justgiving.com/gary-o-connor  ..... if you have already been a supporter, thank you so much. If not, this is your last chance to make a difference to cracking cause, and an exceptional group of people at the RNIB. You wont hear any more from me - for now.. as I step out post the VLM 2012 and reassess / rethink the next challenge.

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Well, I'll tell you this for free, I can think of far worse addictions than running.. and for me not many better ways to harness this one than to the benefit incredible causes, of which the RNIB is certainly one.

For those of you who got involved last year (and there are many) you will know that Gary has an hereditary retinal eye disease (Choroideremia or CHM), is already officially "Visually Impaired" and will eventually completely lose his sight. To wake up in a dark room where the light will simply never work or switch on - would be far from ideal people, I trust you agree. Its would be one of my greatest fears.

 

The RNIB (Royal National Institute for the Blind) does a fantastic job in helping blind people (and their families and friends) to cope and adjust, building confidence to function and grow again.  Continuing investment into research for accurate diagnosis and cures is also essential and provides some hope, if not always for this generation but for those who follow.  This is a fantastic cause and I am honoured to help the RNIB (www.rnib.org.uk).

 

If you thought last year was impressive, this year, I'm going all out, and going to look to make more than just a bit of difference. In 2010, there was 5 Half Marathons and a couple of smaller distances thrown in for good measure. Are you listening people? Please ensure your seated... In 2011, I'm set for 5 Full Marathons or in other words double the fun of last year!

 

Virgin London Marathon, April 17th 2011, England, Europe*

Edinburgh Marathon, May 22nd 2011, Scotland, Europe*

Great City Race, July 14th, 2011, London, UK, Europe*

British 10Km, July 16th, 2011, London, UK, Europe*

Robin Hood Marathon, September 11th 2011, Nottingham, UK

Jersey Marathon, October 2nd 2001, Jersey, Channel Islands*

RNIB Skydive, October 15th, 2011, Peterborough, UK, Europe

San Sebastian, November 27th 2011, Basque Country, Spain

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.

 

Put simply, if you thought last year was good, I think you will all agree that 2011 is certainly upping the ante! If you weren't involved last year, don't despair, this year is where the real action is! To spice it up, I'm undertaking to complete all 5 in sub 4 hrs and at least one in sub 3 hrs 30min... which I have already achieved in Edinburgh back in May. As with last year (www.justgiving.com/gary-o-connor  still available to anyone who cares to check out any claims!), I'll post all results and hopefully a couple of videos and snaps. 

 

Please give what you can, thank you.

 

Pavlos  

 

www.virginlondonmarathon.com

Completed.... 3 Hr 32 Min 45 Sec (top 10% of the starting field)

#45960 for official result and certificate

www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Completed.... 3 Hr 22 Min 15 Sec (top 9% of the starting field)

#3074 for official result

http://www.cityrace.co.uk/results/

Completed .... 19 min 15 sec, placed #206 from 6,500 runners

http://wwwthebritish10klondon.co.uk/

Completed .... 40 min 25 sec, placed #125 from 25,000 runners

www.experianfestivalofrunning.co.uk, Robin Hood Marathon

Completed ..... 3 hrs 42 min, placed 271 from 1500 runners

http://www.jersey-marathon.com

Completed ...4 hrs 00 min, placed 150th from 700 starts (350 dnfs)