BBC Information, Yorkshire
BBC“I can not do any worse than final yr.”
These are the phrases of the person who completed final within the 2024 London Marathon and hopes to keep away from the identical destiny this yr – regardless of not having the ability to prepare.
Fred Tomlinson, from Doncaster, made headlines when he crossed the road in 13 hours and 23 minutes, ending after midnight.
The 76-year-old will tackle his thirty third consecutive London Marathon on 27 April to boost cash for the Rainbow Belief Youngsters’s Charity in reminiscence of his daughter Claire, who died simply earlier than her fifteenth birthday.
Discussing his race technique, Mr Tomlinson mentioned he deliberate to “simply put my head down”, including: “I can not do any worse than final yr.”
The previous police officer mentioned his marathon preparations had been hampered by knee alternative surgical procedure in November.
With one week to go, his coaching had to date consisted of “simply strolling up and down” however he hoped any ache on the day can be short-term.
“When you’re within the hospital ward and there is kids dying it hits house – it nonetheless does now,” mentioned Mr Tomlinson.
“What you do is over and carried out with in a couple of hours, they only stick with it and might’t have a break day.”
The repeat marathon runner has raised hundreds for the Rainbow Belief, which helps households which have a toddler with a life-threatening or terminal sickness.
His predominant purpose stays fundraising for the organisation however he additionally hopes to complete this yr’s occasion in below eight hours – and keep away from the choice end line for slower runners.
“Serving to the households and the kids, that is my motivation,” mentioned the grandfather of six.
“I will be doing it till [the Rainbow Trust] get fed up of me.”
The charity’s chief govt Zillah Bingley mentioned Mr Tomlinson’s dedication was “really exceptional”.
“[It] displays his deep, private understanding of the challenges households face when a toddler is significantly in poor health,” she mentioned.
Mr Tomlinson has run the London marathon in quite a lot of fancy costume outfits during the last 32 years, cheered on by his spouse, Vanessa.
“It is a good occasion and it appears to get higher yearly,” mentioned Mr Tomlinson. “The crowds are phenomenal.”
He mentioned he deliberate to take a shower after crossing the end line, including: “I would get a breakfast as a result of it will likely be breakfast by the point I’ve carried out.”
