Shipston Rotarian is running to raise money for autism awareness
STUART McLean is often asked if he likes running? He does but he also likes finishing which is why he’s in training for this year’s London Marathon in April.
The 77-year-old from Halford has been a Shipston Rotarian for 40 years and is running the London Marathon to raise money and awareness for autism which his grandson, aged ten, is living with.
He ran the Brighton Marathon in a time of five hours and nine minutes which secured him a good for age qualification for London and a few weeks ago he ran the Warwick Half Marathon in two hours and 16 minutes.
Stuart and his wife, Angela, are frequently on the road and running a circuit which takes them round Idlecote and Whatcote.
“I tried getting into the London Marathon years ago but didn’t get anywhere but now I’ve been accepted which is great. I started running cross country at school and carried running when I was in the medical branch of the RAF. I think it’s important to keep exercising because it’s good for your health and body and I always say to myself – use it or lose it,” said Stuart who is also a member of Stratford Athletic Club and a former employee of the NFU in Stratford until his retirement.
He’s building up his running regime in stages from ten miles, to 15 and then 20 and he’s watching his diet because he wants to lose weight, “for every pound you lose it takes two seconds off each mile and that adds up,” Stuart said.
Running the London Marathon on 21st April is a new challenge for Stewart and he’s looking forward to it apart from the start.
“It’s the biggest marathon in the world with people taking part from all over the world. The only bit I’m concerned about is the start because there’s going to be 30 to 40,000 people lined up and ready to go. We won’t be rushing straight back after the race. Angela and I will have a nice meal and a night out in London,” Stuart said.
To support Stewart visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-mclean-the-running-rotarian
