Edinburgh’s Lord Provost the Rt Hon Donald Wilson is taking on two marathons this spring.
First he will run the Virgin Money London Marathon (Sunday 23 April) and then the Edinburgh Marathon Festival (Sunday 28 May).
In just a couple of weeks from now, he will join over 960,000 runners in the first of his two challenges when he races to the finish line in The Mall in London.
In training for the race with his trademark ‘chain’ of office running gear, the Lord Provost has been busy raising money for local Edinburgh charities. He has received over £1,500 in donations so far bringing his charity raising while in office to £250,000.
We filmed some of his training routine here:
The Lord Provost is training for two marathons from Phyllis Stephen on Vimeo.
He said: “With the starting line looming I’ve been going the extra mile to prepare myself. This will be my third London marathon in a row, but the first time I’ve attempted two marathons in the same year, never in the space of five weeks!
“Everyone has been very supportive and that provides you with a great confidence boost. I’m very thankful for the continued donations and the support of Print and Design for my ‘chain’ t-shirt. It’s daunting prospect but it is all in the name of charity. Wish me luck!”
The Lord Provost will be running in order to raise funds for The One City Trust. The One City Trust and the Rapid Action Fund is the Lord Provost’s charity and aims to fight inequality in Edinburgh. It has provided emergency funds to organisations such as community foodbanks and breakfast clubs, and social clubs for lonely elderly residents.
Speaking about the charity, the Lord Provost added: “Edinburgh is an affluent and prosperous city but not everyone benefits in this success. It is my mission to ensure that all our citizens benefit from the success of Scotland’s great capital and I believe the OneCity Trust can help us narrow the gap.”
The Lord Provost’s donation page will remain live until after both races at www.virginmoneygiving.com/lordprovost.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
