Hi everyone, this year I've been doing a lot of running and thought I would put it to good use by running the marathon! As a classicist I think the time has come to emulate the original Marathon runner Pheidippides, who ran the 26.2 miles from the Battle of Marathon to Athens in 490BC to announce the Athenian victory over the Persians. I don't know what his time was and he collapsed and died shortly after completing the run but hopefully with a bit of training I will be more successful! I also won't be running (at least this year) in full hoplite armour. 

It would be fantastic if you could sponsor me for Rainforest Concern, who protect rainforests and wild areas in S America, Romania and India. Their work is vital as they act to protect rainforests from the logging companies, mining operations and cattle ranchers that are destroying them. These rainforests are vital to stopping climate change, saving the endangered animals that inhabit them and are key to the indigenous peoples that have lived there for millennia! My target is £2,000, thank you very much for any donations!!