Students prepare for London Marathon

Posted 27 February 2014

As final year Harper Adams students, free time is often hard to come by. But instead of wasting it, Amy Woods and Gareth Parker are putting it to good use by training for the London Marathon.

The two friends are running the 26 miles and 385 yards to raise money for the Lymphoma Association, a charity that supports people affected by lymphatic cancer.

The race, which takes place on April 13th, is extremely competitive, with around three applications per place available. This year, Double Olympic champion Mo Farah will be joining the 35,000 runners.

BSc (Hons) Agri-food Marketing with Business Studies student Amy from Ashbourne in Derbyshire, said: “We are both into fitness and each ran a marathon last year, so you could say that we like a challenge.

“I had said that I wouldn’t run another marathon, but here I am, signed up again! That being said, I believe that if I can complete this, I can achieve anything.

“I’m anxious but really excited and can’t wait to run in our capital city.”

As part of their training schedule, the pair have been road running three to four times a week, spending time in the gym and attending Body Barn circuit training classes in Newport.

They have altered their diets to maximise their fitness and have enjoyed using running as an opportunity to clear their heads from intense studying.

22-year-old Gareth from Ludlow studies BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management. He said: “You could say that running the London Marathon is on my ‘bucket list’ of things to achieve in my life.

“I’m really buzzing and super ready for the race. I know what to expect from the marathon as I ran last year, so I hope to go and thoroughly enjoy the experience.

“Our friends and families are planning to come and watch us, and we’ll be having a big celebration on Monday once it’s all over.”

The Lymphoma Association is a charity close to both of the students’ hearts, meaning that the race is of particular importance to them.

21-year-old Amy added: “Every 40 minutes someone is diagnosed with lymphoma cancer, which is a blood cancer, affecting young and old.

“Not only does the charity support the patient, but it supports their family, friends and carers too.

“We really hope that we can raise a good amount of money and do the charity proud. Luckily, we have a lot of support from the Harper Adams community so we’re hoping to use that to our advantage.”

The London Marathon, now sponsored by Virgin Money, has taken place every spring since 1981. Also taking part in the race is BSc (Hons) Countryside and Environmental Management student and keen rugby player, Will Armitage, who is running for Whizz-kidz.

To sponsor the Amy and Gareth, please click here.