Garry Smith from Gosport has never run more than 5km in one go but he has a ‘can-do’ attitude and as a Police Children’s Fund trustee, he wants to raise some much-needed cash for the charity, so in April he will take on the London Landmarks Half Marathon (LLHM).
Park Run devotee and Hampshire Federation Rep Garry hopes to run the 13.1 mile race in two hours and raise £500 for the Fund – though he says he is not massively bothered by his timing.
Garry says: “I’ve never done any other charity running events. As a kid I used to do fun runs, but my dad has run loads of marathons so hopefully the fact that it is in my genes will see me through.”
Taking place on 6 April 2025, the LLHM weaves around Westminster and the City of London, passing grand buildings as well as quirky cobbled roads and forgotten bits of history. This is the first time that Police Children’s Fund has been a charity partner and five runners, including Garry, are raising money for the charity.
For the next two months, Garry will train regularly, but he’s been told by a marathon running friend that “if he can run 5km, he can run anything”.
“I love London. The whole landmark side of it and just everybody running together, being in the capital, doing it for a great charity. It just ticks lots of boxes. I’m looking forward to being one of many people coming together with a shared interest and goal and seeing it to its finish so I can justify those people dipping their hands in their pockets.
“It is such a great charity, I’m not really bothered about what time I do. I just want to make it all the way round and raise as much money as I can for the Fund.”
Garry has had to dismiss some negative influences ahead of his trip to the capital. The Saturday before the big event, he’s been asked to a boozy brunch, but he knows that won’t make for great race preparation.
‘I’ve had to decline. I think instead, a friend and I will go up to London and make a weekend of it. He’s going to cheer me on or maybe throw some oranges and wet sponges at me,” he adds.
To sponsor Garry and help raise money for Police Children’s Fund, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/grsllhm