Meet our volunteer Ray. At 72 years old, he has run over 40 marathons and 200 half marathons in his lifetime. This year, he will be taking part in his second marathon for SeeAbility and he has some words of wisdom for anyone thinking about volunteering or running the London Marathon for SeeAbility.

40 marathons and counting 

“I got the running ‘bug’ back in 1980. Since then, I have run over 40 marathons and 200 half marathons, but you don’t have to be a keen runner like me to do a marathon. In fact, as long as you train for it and complete at least 15 miles before the race, you can definitely complete the whole route.”

The Virgin Money London Marathon is back at its usual time in April 2022. This iconic 26.2 mile route begins at Blackheath in Greenwich and takes you through the vibrant capital and finally ends on the Mall, right by Buckingham Palace.

“This year, I will be taking part in my second London Marathon in support of SeeAbility. Taking part in a famous marathon like the Virgin London Marathon is a real buzz. The crowds support you all the way from the start to the finish. If you have your name printed on your running vest, you’ll find that people will shout your name to keep you going. The little children wanting high fives as you run past. It’s just a great atmosphere!”

Whether you’re looking for your next running challenge or would like to tick the London Marathon off your bucket list, why not get your place early with SeeAbility today and get a full year to train and fundraise?

“When you get a London Marathon place with SeeAbility, you have to fundraise at least £1,500. The team at SeeAbility’s Denecroft, where I volunteer, and the Guildford City Football Club really helped me with the fundraising. When I did my first marathon with SeeAbility in 2018, I got children to design a costume that I would wear during the marathon and held a competition where people got to decide which costume I should wear. I raised quite a lot of money from it. The final costume consisted of black fish net tights, an orange tutu and blue wig! I also did cake sales and asked local businesses to sponsor me.” 

From the moment you sign up until you cross the finishing line, our events team at SeeAbility will be there to support you with your fundraising and training every step of way. 

“For anyone thinking about running a marathon, I would say just do it! It’s a day you will never forget. You’re on a high for days after you’ve done it. I think everyone should try and do it at least once.”

Register your interest in taking part in the 2022 London Marathon for SeeAbility or email events@seeability.org.