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Farmers run London Marathon and raise thousands for charity

Ed Henderson 05 October 2021
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© Tom Bradshaw© Tom Bradshaw

Farmers have raised thousands of pounds for charity and recorded some impressive times at the London Marathon.

The gruelling 26.2-mile event returned to the capital’s streets on Sunday (3 October) after the cancellation of the 2020 race due to the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 40,000 runners were cheered on by crowds that packed the streets along the route from Greenwich to the Mall.

A short, heavy rain shower in the afternoon failed to dampen spirits, with everyone excited to be a part of the first London Marathon in more than two years.

See also: Charity cycle raises thousands for mental health campaign

Among the farmers taking part were NFU vice-president Tom Bradshaw, Berkshire arable farmer Andrew Randall and livestock farmer Becki Leach, from Yorkshire.

Mr Randall ran an impressive time of 03:38:31 and has raised more than £10,000 for Children with Cancer UK, who he is supporting after a friend tragically lost her young son to cancer.

Andrew Randall

Andrew Randall with his marathon medal © Andrew Randall

The farmer said it was a euphoric experience. “I was always hoping for four hours and to start bringing it under, you have to work bloody hard,” Mr Randall told Farmers Weekly.

“The crowds were just incredible, from mile one to 26, you couldn’t have asked for more.

“I had been training for the 2020 race so managed to keep myself in shape. I had about 40 jelly babies throughout and I saw my wife at mile 19, which gave me a boost.”

It has been a good few weeks for Mr Randall, who farms 364ha near Maidenhead.

He was presented with Royal East Berks Agricultural Association’s most prestigious award, the King George VI cup for Supreme Champion Farm, last weekend.

Chris Webber, part of the South Berks Agricultural Association, finished in an astonishing time of 3:18:30. The farmer from Burghfield was raising money for MacMillan nurses.

Impressive 

Mr Bradshaw also ran an impressive time of 04:15:19. He has raised more than £10,000 for Farm Africa, along with the NFU’s Phoebe Russell and Oliver Rubinstein.

“Everyone says the atmosphere is incredible, but you can’t believe it until you see, it is really special,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“When you hear your name being shouted, it gives you that boost – Tower Bridge was just amazing

“The wave of noise is immense and we’ve raised a decent amount of money for Farm Africa. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I won’t be doing any more.

Tom Bradshaw at the end of the marathon

Tom Bradshaw at the end of the marathon © Tom Bradshaw

“Miles 18-21 I really struggled, I never had an injury, just really heavy legs. The last five were not too bad, I got second wind and the crowds carry you home.”

Brilliant

Ms Leach crossed the line in another brilliant time of 04:00:06 and celebrated with a bottle of milk. She said she “ran like the cows were out”.

The farmer has raised more than £2,200 for agriculture charity Yellow Wellies.

Farmers Weekly news reporter Ed Henderson finished in 4.00.54.

 

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