Man completes Hastings half marathon in his house

Dressed as a nun, Dan completed the distance in just over three hours on a treadmill at his home in Westfield on Sunday (March 29).

He live streamed his efforts to Facebook and has so far raised more than £400 for St Michael’s Hospice - the charity he was hoping to run the Hastings Half Marathon for before the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

After completing his feat, Dan thanked all those at the NHS who are working so hard during the crisis: “You guys are incredible. I love you all.”

Dan, who works for the East Sussex College group, said he has been working from home recently trying to teach students online.

It was on Thursday last week that he had the idea to attempt the half marathon at home. He had originally planned to complete the distance in his garden but Sunday morning’s snow flurry moved his attempt indoors.

Once inside, he set up a live stream on Facebook and even managed to keep talking to his viewers during the run.

He said: “It was great hearing all the comments. They really kept me going when times got tough.

“I normally run the Hastings half with my best mate and sister so it was a shame it got cancelled this year, but I just thought I wanted to do something for St Michael’s Hospice. They are an amazing charity and they need the help, particularly at this time.

“I contacted them at the end of last week and discussed my plan and then decided to go for it.”

Dan said he was overwhelmed by the support he received.

“It has been absolutely phenomenal. As of this morning, on Facebook alone - and I say alone because St Michael’s Hospice have their own link and I’ve taken some cash donations - we’ve raised £420. It’s really good.”

On Monday, Dan said he was feeling a little sore after completing the 13.1 miles but thanked all those who sent comments to help him through.

“I thought it was going to be a bit lonely doing it online but it was just amazing. I can talk for Britain but it was lovely to receive so many nice comments throughout.

“Loads of friends got involved but so did a load of people I’ve never even met before. One lady who went past me last year while I was drinking a beer in my nun outfit messaged me to say well done so that was really nice to see.”

If you would like to support Dan’s effort, please click here.

With the half marathon now complete, Dan said he is now looking at other ways to support St Michael’s Hospice.