Henrietta hopes to run virtual marathon in record-er time

Henrietta Stock will be running the London Marathon virtual 40^th race around her local area in Guildford and Woking whilst playing the recorder to raise money for Music in Hospitals & Care.

Following the announcement that the London Marathon could not take place in its usual format, runners were invited to complete ‘The 40th Race – Your Way’. Participants have 23 hours, 59 minutes and 59 seconds to run, jog or walk the 26.2 mile distance on the course of their choice at any time on the day.

We have got four amazing runners taking part in the virtual race on Sunday 4 October.

Chief Executive Barbara Osborne said: “We are so pleased that our London Marathon participants will still have the opportunity to run this year and we are incredibly grateful for the funds they have raised so that more people can experience the healing power of live music.”

Henrietta has chosen a route that will take her past Barnsbury Primary School, where she first learnt to play the recorder at school. She will also be joined for part of the route by friends from the Surrey Police Band.

Henrietta said: “It’s been tough staying motivated over the summer after the original marathon was postponed, but one of my work colleagues messaged me to say that he had experienced the work of Music in Hospitals & Care first hand when his baby was born prematurely a few years ago and they came to do a Lullaby Hour session on the premature baby ward. This really helped me to get back out running. In London, playing the recorder whilst running might not have looked that strange alongside thousands of runners wearing all sorts of costumes. Around Guildford and Woking I’m not sure I’ll blend in so well!”

45,000 runners will be taking part in this year’s virtual marathon, which is one of many events that has been adapted this year to follow social distancing guidelines.

Hugh Brasher, Event Director for the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “The response has been amazing and the spirit of the London Marathon will shine brightly across the globe on Sunday 4 October. London is the most popular marathon on the planet with more than 457,000 people applying in the ballot for the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon. This first virtual London Marathon, The 40th Race, has offered a unique chance for runners around the world to earn that coveted finisher medal and T-shirt and we believe it is the biggest virtual marathon ever staged.”

Please sponsor Henrietta by heading to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/henrietta.