TV personality Mark Wright is taking on the Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time ever with help from world champion and marathon legend, Paula Radcliffe.
The football pundit and entrepreneur is taking on this latest fitness challenge as part of healthy margarine brand FLORA’s Get Towns Active campaign, in a bid to inspire people across the UK and Ireland to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Like many others, lockdown has been a key motivation for 34-year-old Mark to commit to being more active, with the support of his Instagram community who helped him stay dedicated to a fitness routine. He hopes that, with this latest challenge, he will inspire others to be more active too.
Putting him through his paces is British women’s marathon record holder, Paula Radcliffe, who will help him prepare for the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon, which takes place on 3rd October.
Mark Wright commented: “I’m so pumped to be running the Virgin Money London Marathon with FLORA for its Get Towns Active campaign. Fitness and nutrition is a massive part of my life and this was a big chance to share my experience, and the benefits of getting fit and eating right, with people across the UK and Ireland.”
“Also, I’m hugely privileged to have the support of absolute marathon legend, Paula Radcliffe – it doesn’t get much better than that. I know she will have so much amazing advice to share with me throughout my training so I hope I can do her and myself proud.”
Breaking two world records and winning three titles when FLORA was headline sponsor of London Marathon, Paula is now an Ambassador for the brand and will provide exclusive training and nutrition tips to get Mark ready for race day.
Paula Radcliffe commented: “As an ambassador for FLORA I’m thrilled to be coaching Mark through his first ever marathon experience. Beyond the physical demands, training can be mentally challenging too, but I know Mark has got what it takes and his commitment and dedication to his fitness is going to stand him in really good stead.
“Having won the London Marathon when FLORA sponsored the event many moons ago, it’s brilliant to be working with them again this year, and I am really looking forward to seeing Mark’s progress as marathon day approaches.”
This expert advice, along with Mark’s account of his personal training and nutritional journey, will also be shared via the stars’ Instagram and with the Flora community.
Alan Black, Marketing Director UK&I at Upfield, producers of FLORA, commented: “Balancing busy family life with a healthy, active lifestyle can be challenging, which is why we are continuing FLORA’s Get Towns Active movement to help people achieve a balanced diet and keep fit in a way that works for them. Being a partner of the Virgin Money London Marathon helps to spread that all important message.
“Like Mark, in the wake of the pandemic, many people’s daily health and fitness routines were impacted. Now that life is returning to some semblance of normality, we want to share an important reminder to not only get on the move again, but to also find the joy in having those shared experiences with family, friends and your local community.
“We’re really excited to see Mark and Paula’s partnership unfold, and for them to share their own experiences with the FLORA community. FLORA recognises that a healthy active lifestyle includes activity and fitness, as well as eating healthily, and we’re with Mark every step of the way.”
As part of his role, Mark hopes to encourage others to join in the movement and get active with him, whether that’s taking the first step or the 10 thousandth.
He continued: “I’m a big believer in exercise being a social activity and brilliant for mental health as well as physical, so this is something close to my heart and I’d love for people to come on that journey with me.
“Fitting exercise into the day doesn’t have to mean compromising on time with your family, so whether you’re committing to a daily walk with the kids, or even challenging yourself and your partner to run a marathon, it’s important to make it work for you.”
