Soon to be sixteen-time marathon runner, David Hepburn is taking on the London Marathon once again, this time in honour of his friend and neighbour, Wendy who died from lung cancer in September last year.
“I’m following in Wendy’s footsteps really. She was training for the London Marathon with my wife Aileen when she received her lung cancer diagnosis, yet she went on to do it all the same. When she died, I decided to take on the iconic marathon in her honour and raise money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation who do so much for people like Wendy.
“It’s not my first time doing the challenge. I’ve ran it for many years. The first time was after I watched the race in 2015 and I decided I wanted to attempt a marathon, and if it was going to be one, it had to be the London Marathon!
“Over the years I’ve run for a number of charities, even dressing up as Scooby Doo and the gang to beat the world record for the fastest marathon in a five-person team.
My London Marathon challenge
“This year it is a particularly special challenge. I turn 50 in May, so it’s a big milestone, for a great cause, in memory of a dear friend.
“Running is my main hobby and it’s taken me, my wife and two children all over the world. They truly are an amazing team that support me on race day and with my training. I don’t think I would have been able to do as many races I have without them.
“This year’s London Marathon will be my 16th marathon and I’ll be completing this just six days after doing the Boston Marathon. I’m really excited to be doing both because it means I’ve completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors!
“My last one was the Berlin Marathon which I ran in September, so I’ve been having a break from running but now back on it with a 14-week training plan. I train with a local running club called Hamilton Harriers which has been really beneficial and helps when I am training for long distance runs. They give me the motivation I need.
Race Day
“I’m looking forward to the whole event, everything from the expo to the finish line but I know this year will be emotional. I’ll be remembering Wendy and her amazing achievement in 2021. All my family will be there, and Wendy’s husband and son are travelling down to support me, so that will make the day even more special.
That’s what makes the London Marathon so great – the people that come to the event and cheer on every runner. The whole route is lined with supporters and the noise when you get to Cutty Sark at mile six sends a shiver through you. It really is the best race in the world.
“The cheering never seems to dull. When you get to Tower Bridge, there are a lot of charity cheer points and you feel so inspired. They really do make it easier to complete the race, especially at Embankment when you need that push to get you over the finish line and they never let you down.
“Feeling the support, coupled with knowing I have raised vital funds for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation in memory of Wendy will be very emotional, but I am looking forward to doing this for her.”
To support David, visit his Just Giving page here.
