Daddy Pig has given an insight into his training as he prepares to take on the TCS London Marathon next month.
The patriarch of the Pig family in hit animated series Peppa Pig recently announced his intention to run on behalf of the National Deaf Children’s Society after son George was diagnosed as moderately deaf.
The dad-of-three said they have “received help and advice from lots of fantastic organisations”, but praised his chosen charity as having been “especially amazing”.
“They help so many children and families like us, so it only seemed right to help them and raise some money,” he told the May issue of Runner’s World UK.
In addition to running the iconic 26.2-mile race on screen in an upcoming episode, Daddy Pig will also take part in the real-life marathon in a specially designed running costume.
With roughly 54,000 children in the UK affected by hearing loss, organisers say funds raised by Daddy Pig’s marathon mission will help support deaf children and their families, while bringing inclusive storytelling from screen to street.
Fans will be able to track Daddy Pig’s progress on marathon day via the official app and donate through his Enthuse fundraising page.
Pictures have emerged of Daddy Pig getting his miles in around London landmarks such as the Cutty Sark and along the Thames. However, the self-declared champion puddle jumper still insists that it is the best form of cardio.
“Jumping in muddy puddles is actually fantastic cardio – no one realises that! People focus on the mud that gets, well, everywhere,” he said.
“Peppa and I made a playlist called ‘Daddy Pig’s Motivation Mix’, which always does the job. It’s bangers all the way: Pig Pony Club, Uptown Oink, No Piggity and Bitter Sweet Symph-oinky are always winners.”
Asked what he is looking forward to most about the marathon, he joked: “The finish line sounds nice… ha ha!”
After a pause, the structural engineer added: “Tower Bridge is quite special. What a feat of engineering, with its hydraulic bascule mechanism and robust steel framing! Sorry, I do love a good bridge. But mostly, I’m excited to see Peppa, Mummy, George and Evie cheering me on at various points around the course.”
The full interview with Daddy Pig can be read in the May issue of Runner’s World UK, on sale from April 1.
