A DALE athlete has described the support she received from her village while doing a virtual London Marathon for charity as incredible.
London Marathon organisers challenged those who would have taken part to complete 26.2miles in 24 hours after this year’s event was cancelled.
Scores of people from Stainton joined Amanda Pettitt as she completed several laps from the village in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK.
Along with a 2.6k challenge she completed in April, she succeeded in raising more than £2,900 for the charity this year.
She took part in her first London Marathon last year.
Mrs Pettitt, who whose colours represented MDUK’s Team Orange during the event, said: “I decided to walk this year rather than run. I did three laps from home to Marwood, the golf course, and back home. In the final lap I went to Kinninivie, back to the other end of the village and then home to finish the 26.2miles.”
Mrs Pettitt was one of 117 people representing Team Orange, with fellow villager John McGrath also joining in after securing a last-minute spot through MDUK.
Mrs Pettitt was joined on some of the laps by her husband Simon, Clare Merrigan Martin, Jane Teasdale, Clare McGrath, and Mim and Astley Fenwick.
Running buddies Barbara Crawley, Judith Rodwell and Claire Hesketh completed the last lap with her.
Susan Riggs provided much-appreciated orange iced-cupcakes while Janet Stables drove alongside her through the challenge.
Numerous people also cheered her on from the roadside.
The Teesdale Athletics Club member said: “I had incredible support, all socially distanced. I am delighted considering the year that everyone has had. The charity is desperate for money because all their events had to be cancelled. I am very grateful for everyone’s support in such a difficult year.”
Her fundraising event was given a boost by Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental which sponsored her running shirt. Including comfort breaks, Mrs Pettitt completed the 26.2miles in seven hours and 58 minutes and made a cameo appearance on the BBC’s coverage of the marathon.
Fellow TAC member Caroline Hamilton, also decided to walk the virtual London Marathon, taking the Teesdale Way from Barney to Middleton.
She was supported by Jane Gill, Karen Watson and Susan Sams. The route was challenging following the heavy rain the day before, but all enjoyed the day.
