A BASINGSTOKE woman is lacing up her trainers for the 2024 London Marathon to raise funds and awareness for Mencap, a charity supporting individuals with learning disabilities.
Zoe McLaren, community engagement manager for Tomato Energy, said her marathon challenge isn't a conventional one as her path began during the pandemic lockdown.
Calling herself a "non-natural runner," the 50-year-old said her athletic path began during the pandemic lockdown.
"The weight started piling on, and running, or initially walking, became a regular escape," said Zoe, who lives in Hatch Warren.
"As the pounds dropped, so did the excuses. Early morning runs with the birds and beautiful scenery became almost addictive."
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The physical transformation was just the beginning.
Running became a mental health haven, with five stone shed and a newfound sense of mindfulness and positive energy powering her through each stride.
One 10k and a trail half marathon later, Zoe's sights are firmly set on the 26.2-mile London Marathon on April 21.
"Training hasn't always been easy, especially in the dark, cold, and wet mornings, but the feeling afterwards is amazing," she added.
"I wish to extend a very special thank you to my partner, Derek Western, who is extremely amazing and supportive with my running and training activities – being woken up at 6am, attending races and cheering me on. Also, a thank you to the fitness instructors at Fitness Flex and my work colleagues at Tomato Energy who are providing enormous encouragement and keeping me positive."
Choosing Mencap wasn't simply a random act of kindness for Zoe.
"I am supporting Mencap as they are one of the lesser known charities who make an enormous difference to the lives of people, and their family, with a learning disability.
"Learning disabilities may vary from mild, for example requiring assistance to get a job, through to severe where the person may need fulltime care and support with every aspect of their life - they may also have physical disabilities. Also, specific conditions can have a learning disability too, for example, people with Down’s syndrome.
"Mencap is committed in helping individual’s to lead better lives through leisure, social activities and meaningful occupation through offering a safe, fun and caring environment to keep active and achieve greater independence."
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To boost her fundraising efforts, Zoe is organising a charity dinner and quiz at The Restaurant, Basingstoke College of Technology, on Thursday, February 1.
Guest speakers include former 1983 London Marathon winner Mike Gratton and fitness instructor Neil Proctor.
Tickets for the Charity Dinner & Quiz are available at charitydinnerquiz-01Feb24.eventbrite.co.uk
Support Zoe's fundraising journey on 2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/zoe-mclaren
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