Marathon men to tackle Big Apple

IN the running . . . Richard (left) and John get in some serious training

START spreading the news . . . two athletes from Grasscroft are to run the New York City marathon in November to raise funds for disabled children.

Pearson Hinchliffe solicitor John Pollitt (51) and financial adviser Richard Eastwood (33) will don their running shoes and hit the streets of The Big Apple on Sunday, November 2.
The pair will be raising money for Get Kids Going — a national charity which provides special equipment to help disabled children take part in sport.

John, who will be running his third marathon, thinks they are in for a gruelling, but rewarding, experience.

He said: “The New York crowds and inspirational landmarks are sure to help spur us on to the finishing line in Central Park.

“In my first marathon when I was 25, I went round in five hours. Last year, aged 50, I did it in four!

“Friends have told me that at this rate I’ll be breaking the three-hour mark when I’m 75.”

Father-of-four Richard is running his first marathon and is currently undergoing a demanding training regime.

He added: “I started on the treadmill and quickly realised that if you can run five miles you can run 10 — and if you can run 10, then 26 is possible too.

“Plus, Get Kids Going does such fabulous work — that’s all the motivation I need.”

The partners of Pearson Hinchliffe, which has offices in Queen Street and Hollinwood, pledged £500 to kick-start John and Richard’s sponsorship efforts, while staff at the firm have organised fund-raising activities to help them achieve their £6,000 target.

John and Richard are accepting donations via www.justgiving.com/johnpollitt1 or www.justgiving.com/richardeastwood.