An Isle of Wight runner is preparing to take on his first marathon.
Chris Murray will line up at this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, April 26, raising funds for Southampton charity Smile4Wessex in support of the Wessex Neurological Centre.
Mr Murray said: "My training plan is going well and I am looking forward to April now.
"It's a privilege to run for Smile4Wessex in aid of The Wessex Neurological Centre."
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An experienced runner, he secured the charity’s only marathon place for the 2025 race but deferred to this year due to injury.
He is now fully recovered and targeting a finish time of 3.5 to 4 hours.
The cause is personal for Mr Murray, whose father-in-law was treated at the Wessex Neurological Centre in 2023 for a brain tumour.
Smile4Wessex supports the centre by funding patient care, research, and facility improvements.
The centre serves around four million people across the south coast, including the Isle of Wight.
Kathryn from Smile4Wessex said: "We are delighted that Chris has chosen to represent Smile4Wessex.
"Undertaking a marathon is no mean feat – 26.2 miles is tough and a significant physical and mental challenge and we wish him the very best of luck."
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