Veteran Annan runner Grant Seaton is taking part in the first virtual Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.
The 44-year-old is raising funds for Calvert Trust, an outdoor centre for people with disabilities delivering activity breaks for schools, groups, families and individuals.
He has already completed two marathons and will run laps of WatchTree Nature Reserve in Carlisle with five other runners representing the charity.
They are among 45,000 runners will take part across the world online and will have 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds (from 00:00 to 23:59:59) to complete the 26.2 miles remotely – either running, walking or jogging.
Grant said: “I am honoured to be running the virtual marathon at the Watchtree Nature Reserve.
“When I found out what an inspiring organisation the Calvert Trust was, I was determined to spread awareness and raise funds.
“I volunteered with them in February of this year to see first-hand what they are all about, which has made me even more excited to help contribute.
“The pandemic has had a huge impact on small, local charities, like Calvert Trust, and that is a huge motivation for this run. I am hoping to beat my previous time of three hours 53 minutes but anything under four hours would be amazing.”
The charity promotes adventure activities such as high ropes courses, hand biking and cycling, abseiling and bushcraft for those with disabilities as well as providing accommodation.
Grant started running 10 years ago to support a friend with Hodgkin lymphoma and now picks a different charity each year to support.
Jo Barnett, executive director at Virgin Money Giving, said: “Despite the ever-changing environment, it’s hugely uplifting to see thousands of fundraisers, like Grant, going all out for causes that are important to them. Charities rely on this support to continue their work.”
Anyone who wants to help can donate at his Virgin Money Giving page https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=GrantSeaton2&pageUrl=1
