A local sports presenter says there’s “no place like Leicester” after finishing an epic running challenge, which saw him run five marathons, on five continents over the course of five days.
Ian Stringer teamed up with Nick Hodges, founder of the Bodie Hodges Foundation for the 131 mile run, which started at the Khun Vichai statue in Bangkok on Monday, April 18, and ended at the Khun Vichai statue at Leicester’s King Power Stadium on Saturday (April 23).
In between those cities, the pair also conquered marathons in Honolulu in Hawaii, Anchorage (Alaska) and New York, USA.
The Leicester Times caught up with Mr Stringer at Watermead Park, as he neared the end of his challenge.
“It’s great to be back on home turf”, he said.
“You can keep Hawaii, keep New York – I want Leicester”, he said upon being asked about his favourite city to visit.
“It’s our home city and it’s great to be around the local people who have been really kind to us.
“It’s the sporting capital, home of the Foxes, it’s just home and there’s no place like home”.
As a result of their challenge, Mr Stringer and Mr Hodges have raised over £21,000 for the Bodies Hodges Foundation, as well as the Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Foundation, which was set up to help fund a renovation of Leicester Royal Infirmary’s Children’s Outpatient Ward, and to purchase life-saving equipment needed by the Children’s Intensive Care Unit.
Mr Stringer revealed that he had taken a picture of Khun Vichai around the world with him, as personal inspiration to get him through the challenge, as well as a picture of Bodie Hodges, who passed away when he was just 10-months-old.
The Bodie Hodges Foundation was formed in 2012, to support families who have been bereaved of a child of any age and to promote organ donation.
“Logistically it’s been difficult – getting flights and stuff and getting around the world, and then there’s been the running in between, which has been a nightmare”, said Mr Stringer of the challenge, which he was able to accomplish as a result of an gruelling 18 month training schedule.
“It’s been impossible, but we’ve made it happen, and these pictures have been inspiring us along the way”, he said.
The costs of the Challenge were been covered by corporate partners; Bakers Waste, E&H Drylining (SW), Industrial Marine Supplies, SV Timber, Freeths, PPL PRS and Premier Logistics, meaning that all donations will go directly to the two causes, with a target of £55,000 in mind.
To donate to the cause, or to find out more, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/globalmarathonchallenge
