Countdown for the Brave Eight
The 26.2 mile run promises to cause them chronic pain, but the eight-strong team from Qatar Racing are determined to give it their best shot in order to raise money for the charity Racing Welfare. It is a thoroughly worthwhile cause, so please sponsor them via the Virgin Money London Marathon website.
You can give money to the entire team or the individuals, namely Sheikh Fahad, David Redvers, Andrew Balding, Robert Cowell, Richard Hannon, Charlie Hills, David Simcock and Olly Stevens. Go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Qatarracingteam
Final training preparations have involved some unusual methods. Richard Hannon Jr and Charlie Hills have been photographed enjoying a pint each in a pub, while David Redvers and Sheikh Fahad endured a long-haul flight from Australia that reached a London airport this morning.
At that point Redvers had to endure the marathon of finding a lost case, and then a lost car. Read more on his Twitter account @dredvers.
Meanwhile, Richard Hannon Jr has a busy few days, preparing important runners and readying himself for the big race around London.
In an interview with Marcus Towend of the Daily Mail, Hannon said: "I didn't say I'd run the London Marathon, I said I'd do it - so I will run, walk and trundle it. When I pull up in The Mall I don't expect to be thinking 'I would love to do that again'. It's a total one-off."
Read the full Marcus Townend interview at: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-2599009/Hannon-Junior-ready-marathon-weekend-stamina-test-isnt-sure-suit.html#ixzz2yZvzpasw
@racingwelfare
@dredvers