With the Oxford Half Marathon not until Sunday 13 October 2024, many of Oxfordshire residents will be among the runners in this Sunday’s London Marathon, also live on BBC One.
The London Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors and is considered one of the most prestigious global marathons. The event attracts the elite runners, as well as thousands of amateur runners from around the globe, with a large majority of competitors doing so for charity.
For most, there are no eyes on breaking the record of 2hr 1min 25sec or the £44k winners prize. The reward comes from crossing the finishing line after a gruelling 26.2 miles of running, walking (or crawling). And for those running for a good cause or for personal reasons, they will likely need the support from the spectators to get going.
If you can get down there or live local, find a spot and hand out encourage in the forms of claps, sweets and cheering peoples names. I can say from first hand experience, it truly does help. These runners raises millions of pounds for various charities each year, so your support makes a difference.
The course starts in Greenwich and passes through iconic London landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and finishes near Buckingham Palace.
One of our favourites, the Oxford Hospitals Charity, has 25 amazing people running this Sunday. Some because they overcame an illness, some because they have had a loved one treated by the hospital, but there are also two members of staff running including the Director of Maternity. Together, they are on target to raise over £50,000 of much needed funds for the charity.
Max Komodikis from Banbury’s has a truly inspiring journey, overcoming mouth cancer at a young age he is now gearing up to run the London Marathon for Oxford Hospitals Charity this weekend. Here’s Max’s story…
“When I was just 14 years old, I faced the daunting diagnosis of mouth cancer. Now, at the age of 22, I am celebrating two years of being cancer-free. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to have the support of my consultant and his team at the Blenheim Head and Neck Cancer ward at the Churchill Hospital.
Their dedication and care were nothing short of exceptional, guiding me and my family through every step of the process. They went above and beyond to look after my well-being through what could have been a traumatic period, but thanks to them I have been able to continue my life with minimal disruption.
Last summer, I graduated from the University of Bristol with a Physics BSc, this year I’ve chosen to pay tribute to the incredible support I received by fundraising for the Oxford Hospitals Charity. Whilst no monetary value could truly be attributed to the support I was given, I would like to raise this money to help express my gratitude and to help others who find themselves in the same position I was.
I have had some amazing support from local businesses including generous donations from The Marlstone Tavern in Milton, affectionately known as the ‘Pie Pub’, and the Butcher’s Arms in Balscote. The Butcher’s Arms also hosted a charity horse racing night to help further raise money! Bengal Spice of Deddington greatly helped with fundraising by hosting two very successful charity curry nights! To all of these local businesses, I am extremely grateful!
I have also had fantastic support from friends, family and even strangers! I am very thankful for their generosity. Particularly to my girlfriend for helping to fundraise by selling homemade jam!
Embarking on my first full marathon, I am looking forward to the challenge ahead. I’ve always thrived on pushing my limits and achieving new things, so the idea of running a marathon as well as raising money has been very exciting.”
You can track Max and all runners on the official app, and also donate directly on there to the Oxford Hospitals Charity.
Claire Hughes Events Coordinator at Oxford Hospitals Charity said,
“A huge good luck to Max and all of our amazing runners this weekend. Max has already exceeded his £5,000 fundraising target and is on track to raise even more!’
“We are in awe of everyone who has chosen to take on the London Marathon and we will be there to cheer them on along the route.”
