VSA's team of runners have been making their final preparations this week ahead of October's London Marathon events.
This year, there will be two marathons - the traditional event in London itself, as well as the new virtual edition which proved to be a great success when it was trialled last year.
By running 26.2 miles on Sunday, October 3rd , each runner will not only be achieving something incredible in one of the world's most sought after marathons, they will also be fundraising in aid of VSA and playing their part in changing the lives of vulnerable children and adults.
The traditional event in London itself makes a welcome return after being postponed from 2020, with 50,000 runners starting at Greenwich and finishing at The Mall. The new virtual edition of the marathon allows an additional 50,000 runners from across the UK to complete "their marathon, their way", by running the 26.2 miles within 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds.
"My favourite quote is - To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did - When I heard earlier this year that there was an opportunity to take part in the London Marathon through VSA, I just had to go for it!"
Pictured are some of our team, who met for the first time recently at VSA's head office based on Castle Street. We are delighted to be represented by VSA employees, as well as corporate supporters throughout the city - including bp, Entier and John Clark Motor Group.
For some of the team, it will be their very first marathon experience. Entier's Javeed Khokhar, who works as a chef for the catering firm, has jumped at the chance of taking on the challenge, training in between his shifts offshore. "My favourite quote is - To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did”, he explains. "When I heard earlier this year that there was an opportunity to take part in the London Marathon through VSA, I just had to go for it!"
Andy Kite meanwhile will be running his eighth marathon, with previous finishes at Athens and New York. Aberdeen Performing Arts Marketing Manager Andy was scheduled to run in London for VSA last year, but instead took part in the virtual edition after the pandemic had forced the event hosts to reorganise. Craig Watson of John Clark is all set for London too and despite a recent knock to his knee, he will be giving his all to receive that much coveted finishers medal.
bp and VSA's ongoing partnership will continue at the marathon with Mike Crawford and Iain Cameron running in aid of our Changing Lives campaign, which includes our newly opened mental health facility based on Abergeldie Road.
Pam Adam, Duncan Vickers and Andrew Brown have all worked at VSA's Linn Moor campus and will also be proudly wearing our signature purple t-shirt. Andrew encourages everyone to show their support if they see him running throughout Aberdeen, adding "Don't forget to honk you horn if you spot me!"
It promises to be a memorable and immensely proud weekend for everyone involved and VSA wish everyone taking part all the very best of luck. Don't forget to follow our social media channels for updates on how our runners are getting on, as well as your chance to support their fundraising.
