TV presenter and health enthusiast Mark Wright is back to complete the London Marathon with FLORA again in April, after he successfully crossed the finish line just six months ago in October 2022. So inspired by his accomplishment and the impact it had on both his physical and mental wellbeing, he’s roped in his family to join him this year too.
Mark’s Brother, Josh Wright, who plays football for Ebbsfleet United, is planning to compete in the race this year too. In the spirit of brotherly comradeship, Josh and Mark will be competing together for their fastest time. This year Mark will be pushing for a new personal best of 3hrs30 – approx. 12 minutes faster than last year.
Meanwhile Mum, Carol, and Dad, Mark Senior, have committed to completing the route at their own pace too and have embarked on a strict exercise plan to increase the number of miles they are completing every few days in the lead up to the race.
After being coached by the legendary Paula Radcliffe last year, Mark has turned from trainee into the trainer, helping Mum and Dad get into tip-top shape. The family have been busy training together in Mark’s home gym and venturing out for regular weekend runs and long walks through London.
The Wright family will be cataloguing their fitness journey in a bid to inspire others to make their own healthy life switches. As part of their training and nutritional regime, they’ve also been using plant-based Flora Plant B+tter in their diet, Flora’s alternative to dairy butter, which can be used as part of a healthy plant-based diet and is known to have beneficial effects on the risk of various diseases[1], plus it is better for the planet, too[2].
Mark Wright said: “I was so inspired at last year’s Marathon, that when FLORA asked me to come and be an ambassador once again, it was an absolute no brainer. I had to get my Brother involved this year and to rope Mum and Dad in to making this healthy switch, too.
“The Marathon, and training for it, had such a positive impact on my physical and mental health. And, FLORA’s mission to inspire others to make healthy switches really resonates with me too.”
Big Mark commented: “The boys are always on at me to get fitter. I want to do them proud by completing the race too. All the training has been a big adjustment, but it’s been great for my health.”
Carol Wright commented: “The boys [Mark and Josh] are, and have always been, very fit and healthy – it’s hard to keep up sometimes!
“Whilst we definitely won’t be at the same pace as them on race day, Mark Senior and I are just buzzing to be a part of the experience and whilst I’ve always been relatively healthy and into my walking and yoga, walking 26.2 miles is going to be a healthy switch even further!”
Josh Wright commented: “Mark and I have always had a bit of competition when it comes to exercise, especially running. We’ve both run a marathon before and now it’ll be great to run together and see if we can spur each other to quicker times.
“Running for FLORA also makes sense to me as I’ve always lived out a healthy lifestyle including some plant-based eating and it’s great to know that FLORA 100% natural ingredients and FLORA Plant B+tter are both vegan and better for the planet compared to dairy butter too.”
