Two members of the team running for LOROS have told how they were presented with their medal by the Duchess of Cambridge, as they crossed the finish line on Sunday.
Richard Harris and Geoff Law, were among the 40-person team raising money for LOROS by running the iconic 26-mile route at the weekend.
As the pair crossed the finish line, they were lucky enough to meet the Duchess of Cambridge, who presented them with their medals.
Richard said: “I was holding back a bit to save energy for the final push.
“It was all worthwhile though to get my medal presented by the Duchess of Cambridge.”
Richard and Geoff, along with the rest of ‘Team LOROS’ have raised more than £30,000 so far, with money still coming in from the runners.
Richard Hamill who ran for LOROS this year, said: “What a monumental day it was and very enjoyable and emotional.
“I've never ran a marathon with an atmosphere like that and I'm so glad that I managed to see everyone at pivotal times during the marathon to give me the lift I needed to complete it.”
Fellow runner, Grace Tonner added: “The atmosphere and event as a whole were unbelievable.
“It was the hardest thing I've ever done mentally and physically, but I'm so, so pleased I finished and even more pleased to have been able to run for LOROS and raise more than £2,200.”
The team at LOROS are now anticipating a boost in sign-ups for next year’s event, with registration already open on the LOROS website for runners who wish to race for the Hospice, while the actual public ballot is opening on 1st May.
Thousands of runners are expected to apply when the public ballot opens next week, ahead of the closing date, which is comes just a few days after on Friday 5th May.
Fundraising Coordinator, Andrew Ward said: “A big thank you and a massive congratulations to every single person who ran the London Marathon for LOROS this year.
“This year, we had the most people run for LOROS than ever before and we’re hoping to get even more on board next year.
“With The London Marathon one of the biggest of the year, the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic and with a year to train for next year’s event, I really would encourage as many people as possible to get involved and take on the challenge for LOROS; the team at the Hospice will be there to help, every step of the way.”
If you’re feeling inspired and do not want to wait until next April, why not run for LOROS at this year’s Leicester Marathon.
Entry is still open for this year’s event, which is taking place on Sunday 15th October. Runners can choose to participate in the Half of Full-Marathon, plus entry is free if you pledge to raise £100 minimum for the Hospice.
For more information on either the Leicester or London Marathon, plus any other running events for LOROS, visit loros.co.uk/run
