Linlithgow runner all set for virtual London Marathon

The 47-year-old is raising funds for the Linlithgow Young People’s Project (LYPP), which has been at the heart of the local community for 30 years. Established in 1990 in partnership with the churches in Linlithgow, LYPP’s primary focus is to foster “a sense of hope” in the lives and circumstances of young people in the area.

Throughout lockdown, the LYPP youth workers provided support and ideas to keep young people busy via social media, and they recently launched the LYPP Counselling Service.

Tracy will be running 26.2 miles around area – two 10-mile loops taking in Linlithgow, Philpstoun and Bridgend, and a smaller loop around Linlithgow to make up the final 6.2 miles. This will be her second marathon having completed the Edinburgh Marathon in 2019.

Speaking about the race, Tracy said: “I am honoured to run the virtual marathon for the great volunteers at the Linlithgow Young People’s Project.

“Whist I would have loved to have run past the Houses of Parliament and the Cutty Sark and over Tower Bridge, I am just as excited that I can run around my local area and raise money for this great charity.

“In this their 30th year they were hoping to have a campaign to raise £30k, but sadly, opportunities for them to fundraise have been extremely limited with lockdown.

“It is great that I could apply for a space to run London virtually. At that point I decided that I could use my running as a way to help LYPP with their crucial work and fundraising.

“I’ve spent the last couple of weekends logging the miles to make sure I’m fit for the big day and really hope that I’ll be able to help them raise valuable funds.”

All marathon participants have been advised by Virgin Money London Marathon to respect current Government guidance and restrictions in relation to Covid-19. Supporters are also asked to observe the guidelines.

Jo Barnett, Executive Director at Virgin Money Giving, said: “Despite the ever-changing environment, it’s hugely uplifting to see thousands of fundraisers, like Tracy, going all out for causes that are important to them. Charities rely on this support to continue their work.

“UK charities are really struggling with the loss of revenue as a result of Covid-19, so it’s more important than ever to show our support and dig deep, if we can.”

This is the first time that the London Marathon, which is now in its 40th year, will be run virtually, following Covid-19 restrictions. Approximately 45,000 runners will take part across the world.

Tracy is raising money via her Virgin Money Giving page - https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/TracyCurle.