Exeter City football coaches go for shorter distance with London Marathon

Two of Exeter City’s Football in the Community coaches, Dan Leverton and Jack Gill, are preparing to run the London Marathon on Sunday - and while most people build up to the 26.2-mile distance in training, Dan and Jack have done things rather differently.

The last time they completed a distance run was in Princesshay in February, when they ran on a treadmill for 24 hours to raise money for the Meningitis Trust, a cause close to their hearts after the death of their friend and team-mate, Paul Cridland, seven years ago at the age of 18.

“We managed to run continuously for 24 hours by running for one hour at a time each which meant we both ran in excess of 55 miles,” Dan, 25, says. “It was tough and at times I felt it wasn't possible. But the support throughout the run was incredible - at any point that Jack or I began to feel ourselves lagging, our friends and families urged us on, which made us pick our feet up and keep going.

“Paul was such a cheeky character, full of life who lived and breathed football. If he wasn't playing football himself on a Saturday you would often find him at St James Park cheering
on the Grecians. As well as raising money for the charity, which is dependent on donations, we also really hope to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis.

“The run was the biggest challenge of my life and the memories I have will remain with
me forever. I look back on our run and know anything is possible with a bit of grit and
determination. I got a groin strain and shin splints after the 24 hours, which has made further marathon training almost impossible, but willpower, sheer determination and memories of a good friend will get me across the finish line.”

Dan and Jack, who are both from Exeter, raised around £4,000 from their run and are hoping to add to this total with sponsorship for the marathon, as well as a charity football match they are hoping to organise in the summer. To sponsor them, see http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/levandjack.