'Running London Marathon honours family tradition'

A woman is keeping a family tradition dating back three generations alive by taking part in her first London Marathon.

Helen Markham, from Long Ashton near Bristol, began running 10 years ago after she took part in a 5k challenge. After years of failed ballot entries, she secured a place and is running for a charity that supports vulnerable young people called Caudwell Youth.

Markham said her late father-in-law ran the first marathon in 1981. The same year, her husband's grandad, Bob Wiseman, also ran and became the oldest participant at the age of 84.

"It's so woven into my history and my family history," Markham said.

Wiseman began running in his 50s, but only decided to enter a marathon when he was in his late 70s.

As the oldest entrant in the first London Marathon, Wiseman became an unofficial mascot and was featured on the BBC programme Sportsnight. Despite his age, he went on to complete several more London Marathons.

Markham said her running journey started with a 5km (3.1 miles) challenge in 2016, and then she "just kept going" until she had improved her stamina.

She is now training vigorously for the 26.2-mile (42.1km) run on Sunday and says the schedule has taken over her life.

"I've had a training plan in place way before Christmas. It was four runs a week, a long run on a Sunday and four gym classes a week," Markham said.

"I have a piece of paper next to my bed with the training plan and every night I tick it off, even if I haven't done what the plan says."

She added that she hoped the "once in a lifetime opportunity" would inspire others.

"We've got two children and to inspire them, to inspire other people, is really something."

About 59,000 runners are anticipated to take part in this year's London Marathon.

A Caudwell Youth spokesperson said they are "so pleased" to offer Markham a space in the London Marathon.

"Helen joined us as a replacement runner and was offered a place in January, making her achievement of fundraising and training targets in such a short time, all the more inspiring," they said.

They added that Markham's target of raising £2,500 will make a real difference in ensuring at-risk young people are accessing the support they need through the charity's mentoring programme.

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