News

Report by Ian Lockyer
2018-02-08 23:51:54

Phil Cope to Run the London Marathon for the Alzheimer’s Society

Thanet Roadrunner, Phil Cope is going to be running the London marathon on the 22nd April 2018 to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.  
  
Phil only started running when he was 57.  A friend (considerably younger) had announced his intention to “get fit” and encouraged Phil to join him.  After many months wheezing along the Palm Bay coastal path, Phil was able to run a mile without stopping.  Phil said, ‘Ed Kearney was a great support at this time, encouraging me to join Thanet Roadrunners and buying me a club vest for my 60th birthday!’
 
It was at this time that he started to target the marathon distance.  Phil said, ‘I had run the club Kent Coastal Marathon most years since then, but despite entering the ballot each year, was not able to get into London…then I became 70!’  
 
‘Until then I was always satisfied with just running for fun as well as importantly keeping fit.    Now, at 72, I have additional incentives.  One of these is that since I can (usually) finish the marathon in under 5 hours, this qualifies me for a “good for age” entry into the London Marathon.  So, I was able to run my first London Marathon in 2017 and am running again this year.’
 
Phil is fundraising for the Alzheimer’s Society.  He said, ‘Dementia is a horrible disease that effectively destroys people’s “self”.  I have seen this happening to my father-in-law and understand how depressing it is for close family members.’
 
He added, ‘I am looking forward to the London experience again, with huge crowds along every part of the route shouting “come on Phil.” I am still hoping to run 4:30, so will need to ramp up my training schedule a bit.’
 
Everyone at the club wishes Phil every success with his training and fundraising.  If you want to sponsor Phil, please visit his fundraising page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/philcopemarathon