I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A MARATHON AND A HALF....

A few months ago I decided to do some serious running and combine it with raising money for Guide Dogs, so I entered the Great North Run.  Having already done one half-marathon in my life (and vowing never to do a full one), I thought I'd need to go one step further in order to get some sponsorship. Therefore, I got a place in the Beachy Head Marathon, without quite realising what I'd let myself in for. The thought of running 26 miles genuinely terrifies me, and this one has the added bonus of 3,500ft of uphill running and is supposed to be one of the toughest marathons there is. But I'm sure it will be.... errrrr.... fun, yes, that's the word, fun! However, in order for me not to give up after a couple of weeks of training, I thought I'd better beg for sponsorship.

I would of course run in a Labrador puppy costume, but, ahem, can't find one....honestly! However, if anyone comes across one, I'm more than happy to don it, if you'll donate a ridiculously huge amount. It will mean I pee every half mile, and occasionally stop to chew some old slippers, but I may well do that anyway. Oh, and I may die of heatstroke, too (especially if someone locks me in a car all day). If that happens, please, a statue in the Blue Peter garden is the least I deserve. Put it up between Petra and Goldie, that would be great.

The best way to donate is through Justgiving.com (http://www.justgiving.com/markcage/) It's quick, easy, secure and even has a 'Blue Peter' totaliser thingy, wow!

If you’re a UK taxpayer, PLEASE tick the Gift Aid box, it adds 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement to your donation. Gordon knows he can afford it.

So, please, sponsor me now and cement your place in heaven!

Or the puppy gets it...

Part I (The half)

THE GREAT NORTH RUN

I've decided to join the hordes of Northern folk (50,000 runners) tottering around the fine city of Newcastle for 13.1 miles (21km) of running...I might even wear a Mike Ashley mask, then I'll get chased round in no time at all.

http://www.greatrun.org/Events/Event.aspx?id=1

UPDATE: Great North Run was fantastic. 50,000 people and a scorcher of a day. I got round in 1hr39mins, and came 1,985th. You can see for yourself: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/8265532.stm  You can see me at 1min47secs (white t-shirt, on the left). Now for the really tough part.....

Part II (The whole)

BEACHY HEAD MARATHON

Urggh. 26 miles of hills. Despite that, it's rated one of the top marathons in the country, and the scenic views will undoubtedly mask all the pain as I get swept away by the breathtaking magnificence of my favourite part of the world. Hmmm, that's nonsense. It'll be agony all the way. Suicide, in fact. Oops, no. Erm. Anyway...

http://www.visiteastbourne.com/marathon.asp

UPDATE: I did it! Was incredibly tough and painful, but I did it!!! 4hrs 22mins. 

So, please help me reach at least the £300, and hopefully more. It IS a good cause, and can really change lives....although it may well end mine :-)

Thank you.

Mark