Eastbourne athletes virtually enjoy London Marathon

Jade de Silva celebrated her 40th birthday year by completing the marathon with fellow runner Emma Trenaman.

The event featured more than 45,000 runners joining in to complete their own marathon route.

Jade and Emma were participating to raise funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice and Macmillan cancer support, and have so far raised more than £800.

The runners plotted a course starting and finishing at Prince’s Park, Eastbourne, taking in the seafront, Willingdon and Polegate.

Cheered on by other runners and family members, Emma and Jade finished together. For Emma this was her first marathon-distance race.

Other Run Wednesdays runners competing in the virtual race included Adam Mansbridge, who had crewed Jade and Emma on their earlier run, and Steve Offord, who ran his route along the South Downs from Falmer.

If you are interested in starting running as part of your daily exercise regime and would like to some friendly support and advice, check out the Run Wednesdays Facebook and Instagram pages. Runs take place throughout the week, including female and children’s sessions.