Charity Sprintathon – celebs and sport stars to help in world record attempt

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sprintathlon-headerOn Saturday 24th September, an eclectic mix of 422 runners at Little Marlow athletics track will attempt to run the world’s fastest marathon time and Beat Cancer Faster

Dennis Kimetto holds the individual marathon world record at 2hrs 2mins 57 seconds.  In January 2015, 105 runners from Limerick running 400m relay legs achieved a spectacular time of 1hr 56mins and 54 seconds.  However on 24th Sept 2016 the 422 runners in Little Marlow will run 100m legs and attempt to go one better! The average time per 100m will need to be under 16.62 seconds to make the history books.

Our town has a rich heritage of Olympic glory and will now rally itself to run the fastest marathon on the planet. Marlow Sports club has contributed over 100 participants, and local schools and clubs are also involved.   There will be a number of special guests including Naomi Riches, cricketer Andrew Strauss and Olympian Derek Redmond, joining the other runners to make history and raise money for Stand Up to Cancer.

How about a funny video to reinforce the message?

glenneth-benson-2The organisers have created a very impressive and amusing video, which can be found at the end of this article, or on the official website: sprintathon.org

The video, stars Dr Glenneth Benson – bonkers sports scientist to the stars, and the Sprintathon story unfolds in a funny and fast-moving fashion with cameo appearances from cricket star Andy Strauss and friends.

It ends with a compelling message from Marlow resident and cancer survivor Jimmy Hall, who talks about the importance of raising money to fund vital research into better and kinder treatments for cancer patients, knowing that 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.

Mark Evans, Sprintathon creator, said: “The race itself is a slightly bonkers metaphor for how we can collectively Beat Cancer Faster. Many people have their own personal cancer story and so I hope that the film touches a nerve in a light-hearted way and makes everyone feel that they want to share it with their friends and loved ones!”

How can I support The Sprintathon?

Support the event – from 2pm on  Sunday 24th Sep. Help cheer on your fellow residents in their efforts – entry is free and there will be food and entertainments for all ages.

Donate by visting http://sprintathon.org/  or simply text to donate a fiver: Sprint5 to 70404.
As Andrew Strauss, International cricketer and Sprintathon participant has said: “Please show your support and donate as much as you can, because cancer isn’t going to cure itself!”

Follow  @Sprinthalon on Twitter

Pop along to Giggling Squid in Marlow or Henley this month – they have a Sprintathon Squid Tapas Set (£11.95), available for 1 month only at Henley and Marlow! For every tapas set purchased a donation of 50p will be made to Stand Up To Cancer. This tasty tapas set will incorporate a selection of Giggling Squid favourites…

sprintathlon-poster

Article author: Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending over 2 decades doing this!

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