As the streets of London prepare to welcome runners competing in the nation’s most famous long-distance run, Berwins founder and managing director Paul Berwin is lacing up his running shoes 40 years after first competing in the race.
Berwin will be competing in the 2021 London Marathon and is seeking to hit a £5,000 fundraising target along the way.
Paul Berwin running the London Marathon in 1981
A keen runner, Berwin was among the 7,000 competitors who lined up to compete in the race’s inaugural run on a rainy morning back in March 1981. Since then, he has completed five other marathons along with scores of other events both independently and as an active member of the Harrogate Harriers.
This year, he will be taking part to support two charities with deep roots in the region: Henshaws and the Leeds Jewish Welfare Board (LJWB).
As race day nears, Berwin said: “There’s something special about the London Marathon—there’s a real buzz. It was there for the inaugural run and has grown as the race has developed into one of most prestigious road races on the international calendar. I’m looking forward to lining up and being part of it once again.”
Reflecting on the race, Berwin added that the marathon isn’t just an opportunity to compete with likeminded athletes: “One of the real drivers for me is the fundraising element. Both Henshaws and LJWB are very much community charities, whose incomes have taken a real hit in the last year or so, but the call for whose services has by no means diminished. The knowledge that, thanks to the generosity of so many, my participation will be benefitting such worthy causes will certainly spur me on.”
The marathon takes place this weekend, on 3 October. To support the charities or find out more about the challenge, visit Berwin’s fundraising page.
