The London Marathon 2017

I'm in; I am running the London Marathon 2017.

I have been keeping this quiet for a few weeks now, waiting for everything to be finalised, but now I can finally say with a huge smile that I will be one of the thousands of runners taking on the streets of London in April next year. 

The London Marathon is special to me. I ran the race in 2015 (see blog), my first ever marathon, and in crossing that finish line I also completed a lifetime goal. Looking back on that day now I am proud of myself; running wise I stepped up from being a novice 10k runner to a marathoner, whilst training for and completing that race also showed huge progress and personal development from the person I was as a teenager and made me realise how much running had changed my life for the better. 

I didn't get a ballot spot for the 2016 race but was still there supporting my friend. That day was equally as special (see blog) and just added to the treasured memories the London Marathon holds for me. 

Like so many others I arrived home a few months back to find a sad little parcel sat on my doorstep - I instantly knew it was a 'no' from the London Marathon due to the bulging rejection jumper sat inside (which is annoyingly rather nice!) I was sad to start with, but knew I had to be grateful I had at least experienced the wonder of London before. I began to explore other spring marathon options, however as I did this my heart kept pulling me back to London. 
​
I ran the London Marathon for charity in 2015 and raised £2000 for vInspired - a youth volunteering charity who had supported me develop a community football project a few years ago. If I was to run for charity again it had to be a cause that I felt passionate about. I love to run and, quite simply, running has changed my life. So when the opportunity was presented for me to support and raise awareness of Project Africa Athletics through completing the London Marathon in 2017 I couldn't say no....

Project Africa Athletics aims to support athletes in rural areas of East Africa. The charity seeks to give exposure to athletes living in poverty who possess the required talent to compete internationally and allow them to earn a decent living through running. Project Africa Athletics then assists these athletes with developing sustainable projects back in their rural villages to improve the quality of life. The funds I raise will thus allow those less fortunate than me to reap the rewards of running, whilst also assisting communities living in poverty in Africa. Its a wonderfully simple concept and one I am sure many fellow runners, and indeed most people, can appreciate.

This will be my fourth marathon, and personally I will be training harder than ever to try and get the sub four hour PB I am chasing. So please, if you enjoy reading my blog and wish to support me and Project Africa Athletics, I would be grateful of any donations you may be able to give: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Alice.Carter

​Thank you in advance - bring on 2017 and the start of my London Marathon training!