RUNNER Paul Addicott helps people get better and faster at running.
Rather than constantly improving his personal best, he sets the pace for others, acting as pacer at marathon events around the world from London and Berlin to Chicago and New York.
But now Paul, from Sutton, has set a himself a huge personal challenge – running 11 marathons in 11 days to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Paul, 35, deputy governor at Wandsworth Prison, has run 60 marathons since 2011 – but never more than two in a row.
The father-of-two admits the challenge will push him to the limits.
He said: “This is going to be a huge personal challenge. Even two marathons in a row was a struggle. But I wanted to do something that would really push me. Usually I would never consider this many marathons together as I wouldn’t want to hinder performance while pacing races. But this seems like a good time to do it.”
Starting on May 9, his aim is simply to complete all 11 marathons but he would love to do them all in less than four hours.
Paul, who runs motivational running website ‘Pick up the Pace Paul’, is encouraging others to join him on his challenge, either in person or virtually.
“I did the Winter Run for Cancer Research UK and with my team, raised more than £5,000, so I wanted to continue to support the charity. Cancer affects us all – one in two people will get the disease in their lifetime.
“I’d love people to join me, either by taking part with me, or by donating as much as they can to this fantastic charity.”
Lynn Daly, spokeswoman for Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re in awe of Paul’s challenge – it’s a Herculean task! We wish him well and can assure him that every pound he raises will help us beat cancer sooner.”
To donate: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/funbusmarathon
