Virtual London Marathon: Banners, cheers and ‘finishing line’ for Peterborough runners raising thousands for charity

With the coronavirus pandemic limiting the main race to elite athletes, tens of thousands of people across the globe ran their own ‘virtual’ London Marathon to make sure millions of pounds were raised for charities who have been hit hard in recent months.

Among the runners were Matthew Mahabadi and cousins Kevin and Kerry Benton who have so far raised more than £1,500 for Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice after braving unpleasant conditions.

The trio are members of a social running group called ‘the Joglot’, and they were joined on their run by fellow members Esme Johnson and Laura Harwood who kept up on their bikes and handed out water.

Family and friends also lined the route to cheer the runners on, while there were banners and even a ‘finishing line’ made of plastic tape to signal the end of the 26.2 miles at Hampton Tump.

Matthew (32) said: “I’m really over the moon about the money that has been raised. This just shows how incredibly generous people are and how important Sue Ryder is for the community.

“The weather was awful - there was driving rain and it was cold. I lost track of the puddles I ran through and my feet were soaking wet!

“But it was just amazing, a real positive event. Despite the horrendous stuff globally people can still help each other to do good things.

“We found it hard but kept going. It was a really positive experience and to raise so much money is the icing on the cake.

“There were many people running it. It had a great vibe and I hope they do this again next year.”

The marathon was the first for Matthew and Kerry, but the fourth for Kevin.

They ran through most of Peterborough where they received great support from their families who dotted the route and even produced packs for completing the run.

Matthew was also grateful for the support received from Nilesh Patel from Sue Ryder who sent vests to run in and gave constant encouragement, including in person on Sunday.

“Sue Ryder do amazing work and are loved by the community so I wanted to raise money for them,” an aching Matthew said.

“I didn’t know at the time Kerry was also raising money for Sue Ryder.

“I’ve been running with Kev, Kerry and Laura in a group called the Joglot - we’re a social running group.

“I started running with them a couple of months ago. They said they were running the London Marathon virtually. I hadn’t thought of doing it but did the half-marathon in Peterborough in 2014.

“I was feeling confident and they said they why not join them?”

Matthew is now hoping to take part in next year’s London Marathon, but this time officially for Sue Ryder.

Nilesh, senior community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice, said: “We’re incredibly humbled by our Team Incredible runners who completed the 26.2 miles of the London Marathon virtually this weekend in support of our hospice, running in the most awful conditions. We want them to know that we were with you every step!

“Our hospice is facing a £1.6 million funding gap this financial year and we want our Team Incredible runners to know their amazing dedication and support in choosing to still run and raise funds for us this year really does mean the world to us.”

To donate to the charity, visit: https://justgiving.com/fundraising/matthew-mahabadi or https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kerry-benton2.

Did you take part in the virtual London Marathon? If so we’d love to hear your stories and see your photos, so please send them into [email protected].