Worthing runner completes treadmill marathon in under 3 hours after Brighton Marathon cancellation

He received huge support from his neighbours in Wallace Avenue, who came out to applaud him as he did a warm-up run down the road, following social-distancing rules.

Richard run on a treadmill in his back garden and completed the 26.2 miles in 2 hours 56 minutes.

He said: “I was given a rapturous reception up and down my road. So far, I have raised £1,255, plus Gift Aid, for Age UK.”

He sent out a note to all his neighbours in advance and linked friends, family and work colleagues to his JustGiving page.

Richard wrote: “You can help me do something good in this unprecedented and difficult time. I am running a sponsored, self-isolated marathon on my home treadmill on April 19 at 9am. This would have been the time I started the Brighton Marathon, which has been cancelled along with all other running races.

“Come out at 12pm and let me give you my thanks when I do a warm-down run over the full length of Wallace Avenue.”

Richard moved into his house 20 years ago, with his wife and two daughters.

He describes himself as a ‘half-decent runner’ and represented Worthing as a 5,000-metre runner in his younger days.

Richard said: “Two years ago, I set myself the target of running a sub three-hour marathon. After three failed attempts in Nice, Brighton and Frankfurt, I finally achieved my goal in Gloucester on January 19 this year.”

He was keen for a repeat in the treadmill marathon and achieved his goal with just four minutes to spare.

The money raised will be going to the Age UK Coronavirus Emergency Appeal.

Richard said: “Vulnerable old people will be amongst the worst affected by Covid-19. Also, all mainstream charities are being devastated by the loss of sponsorship money from cancelled sporting events. For this reason, I chose Age UK for the proceeds of this fundraising.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/richard-saunders30 to make a donation.

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