Driver John clocks up marathon miles

Parkers’ driver John Dale is used to clocking up the miles but now he is doing it on foot as well as behind the wheel.

John, who only took up running seriously two years ago, will be taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon on 26 April with the aim of raising £2,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

The cause is close to his heart because his uncle, John Andrews, was recently diagnosed with the condition. He has undergone treatment and is now doing well.

John, who jokes that in school cross country races “I was always at the back”, was inspired by his wife Bonnie and sister-in-law Keeley’s jogging sessions to have a go himself in 2013.

He went on to complete a half-marathon last year and is now building up to tackling the whole 26 miles and 385 yards with a training programme that combines running and gym sessions, plus one longer run each week, which will gradually increase in distance in the lead-up to the London Marathon. 

John said: “I need to build up to running for three to three-and-a-half hours. My target time for the marathon is around four to four-and-a-half hours and I am told that the crowd carries you for the last hour!”

He says his flexible working hours at Parkers are helping with his preparations, adding: “If I have a couple of hours to spare between jobs, I can fit in a bit of training. 

“As a driver, you spend a lot of time sitting down so running is a complete contrast. I was never sporty at school and all I’ve done since then is a bit of golf, but I am 43 now and I wanted to have a go at the marathon before I got too old.”

Anyone who would like to support John’s fundraising for Prostate Cancer UK can donate via his JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/john-dale1.

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