MEMBERS of a Wokingham running club took to the capital to complete the London Marathon on Sunday, October 2.
Shinfield Running Club (SRC) was represented by nine of its members, who all completed the 26.2-mile course successfully.
Founder James Suarez was full of praise for those who took part, seeing SRC’s participation at one of the world’s biggest races as a demonstration of the club’s success.
The free community group boasts a membership of almost 1,000 runners with a wide range of experience levels.
On setting up the club, James said: “Firstly, I wanted to include a sort of team aspect, I guess that came from my football days. You’d have the Whatsapp notifications pinging every other minute with banter flying around.”
“Second, to get people from the community out running regardless of ability. For us, it was all about creating something accessible and free, that was the whole concept.”
The former Binfield FC footballer also completed the marathon himself, having documented his gruelling 15-week training block to his 5,000 Instagram followers.
Despite negotiating traffic at the start of the race, James managed to secure a personal best time of two hours, 55 minutes and 47 seconds.
Of the experience, he said: “I’m super, super chuffed. I have zero regrets, training went great with no injuries.
“The atmosphere was electric, the only quiet zones were in the tunnels. Anyone who gets the chance should do it. It’s the best race out there.”
James was running on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a charity which helped his son, Javier, recover from nephrotic syndrome.
Unable to receive a conclusive diagnosis from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the family turned to the London hospital, who were able to identify and offer treatment for the condition.
Javier has gladly been in remission for the last two years, regularly participating in junior Parkruns.
Inspired by the care afforded to his son, James has committed to fundraising for GOSH “at every opportunity”.
