Focus Birmingham

Whilst most people would want to collapse at just the thought of running a marathon two enthusiastic runners, Maria Fletcher and Christian Clarke, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, are training to run two in aid of Focus.

Maria, who started running in 2008 and ran her first marathon in January 2009, had already registered for the London Virgin 2010 Marathon. When we approached her with the potential of the Norway Midnight Marathon 2010, she said, “I like a challenge, so as long as I can still walk after London, I’d love to run Norway”.

Christian had spent a youthful summer working in Alaska’s midnight sun, and was anxious to tackle the nocturnal marathon. After hearing Maria had been approached he suggested a team for that particular marathon. Christian’s first and only marathon experience was ten years ago in the form of the Los Angeles Marathon.

Our Events Fundraiser, Andy Kilminster couldn’t believe his luck at the thought of a team in the marathon. With an extra place already confirmed in the London Marathon he braved the odds and asked whether they would like to team up for both of the runs. “It’s hard enough to find the kind of commitment for one person running one marathon. Two people running two marathons in two countries for charity is a bit of a blessing, for which we are not ungrateful.”

Maria and Christian are aiming to raise £9,000/$15,000 for us. To follow them as they train and to keep track of their fundraising, visit http://mariaandchristian.blogspot.com
For donations go to http://www.justgiving.com/mariaandchristian

London Marathon photo's: