With the 2025 TCS London Marathon fast approaching, fundraising and training has ramped up, with the team raising over £28,000 so far in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.
Along with each runner’s own dedicated fundraising campaign, SSAFA were once again the main charity partner at the recent Pall-Ex Group Future of Excellence Awards Evening, with all money raised on the night going towards the marathon fundraiser.
We heard from the team about how their preparations are going and what their training has looked like over the past two months.
Barry Byers, UK Managing Director –
I had a big step up in running planned for over the Christmas break, but unfortunately, I injured myself on a run which resulted in a small tear in my Achilles tendon. I had to stop running and change my training plan to incorporate lifting more weights and general strength training, with a good diet and no booze. It was a pretty boring January.
I am now back running and feel comfortable that I’ve progressed despite the break. I’m proud that I have stayed disciplined and adapted my training to stay on track regardless of the injury.
After the last half marathon that I trained for, I regretted not keeping up with running afterwards so this time, I am planning on keeping up with it after the marathon is complete. For general fitness, it is a very efficient and convenient way of exercising.
I’m incredibly proud of the team, knowing that not only have we have made a contribution to veterans and their families who are struggling but also created a legacy for management and members to work towards to really raise the bar for our charitable efforts.
Despite there only being two months to go, I’ve currently got no nerves at all but equally no excitement. I just feel as though I’ve got a lot of training to do and I’m focused on getting it done.
Michelle Naylor, UK Commercial Director –
I recently, alongside a few other members of the London Marathon team, took part in the SSAFA training day down in London. It was a great day for us all and the coach, Alexa, emphasized to us that although training is key, it is only truly valuable when you are eating, resting and strengthening your muscles alongside.
I’m proud that I have consistently stuck to three runs per week, and I have now worked up to 12 miles! Despite the fact I’m managing to stay committed, I have no plans to continue running after the marathon is over, but I want to stay active in the gym. I’m really looking forward to the day of the marathon and pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
Paul Robins, Chief Financial Officer –
I’ve been steadily building up to 12 miles, but I’ve not managed to run for a couple of weeks due to illness. It was great to take part in the SSAFA training day, I enjoyed spending time with my colleagues and getting some useful information about nutrition and stretches. The best thing that came out of the day was the non-alcoholic beer, Erdinger, we were introduced to. Whilst it does contain electrolytes, I don’t think it would look too good drinking that on the day of the marathon!
By sharing a common goal with my team, it has brought a lot of people together. It’s amazing to focus on the outcome and by taking small steps every day, it’s incredible how much you can achieve. Looking back and thinking about how I couldn’t even run for five minutes, let alone two hours (as it currently stands), gives me the motivation to push through.
To say it’s been a roller coaster so far is an understatement. With two months to go, not running for two weeks has pushed me more towards being scared, but there’s always a level of excitement to think that it’s coming and having the mentality of ‘you can do it’!
John Bisland, Hub Manager –
My training has been going great, I’ve been steadily increasing my distance on practice runs and have a number of upcoming events planned, with a half marathon at the Milton Keynes Festival of Running with the rest of the London Marathon team on the 16th of March. This will be the third time that I’ve run the Milton Keynes Half Marathon and it's always a race I enjoy.
Most recently, I took part in the Birmingham Festival of Running, where I completed a 5k and joined my granddaughter in her junior race. My proudest moment so far during my training has been running with my granddaughter in her first official race at just three years old.
The weather over the past few months has been horrendous and it’s made getting out to run really difficult. However, I’ve still managed to get it done and I’m confident in my original goal of finishing in under four and a half hours. Although, as I’ve never been to London before, it might end up taking me longer if I stop mid-run to sightsee!
Frank Gee, Managing Director at Millbray Group –
As transport is an industry that does not sleep, I’ve found myself unloading more trailers than running recently! Juggling running the business and training is always tough. Despite the fact that I am definitely running a bit less than I’d like to be, my goal of a sub-three-hour finish still remains the same.
Stuart White, Head of Hub Operations –
Thanks to staying consistent with my training, I have managed to run 14 miles, with my next target being 20 miles by the end of March. I’m feeling very relieved that I haven’t picked up any serious injuries during my training and I’ve got my fingers crossed that continues.
The SSAFA training day we attended recently was great, it was good to meet the other people running for SSAFA and the coaching advice we received was really helpful. With the day fast approaching, my goal remains the same - I’ll be happy if I finish within four and a half hours.
Tim Clements, Managing Director at Team C Express Logistics –
I have been focused on making slow and gradual progress throughout my training, with my main priority being trying to avoid any injuries. My latest long run last weekend was 16 miles.
Perseverance in the cold, wet, horrible weather has been really tough and I’m proud of myself for sticking it out. Going for a run in the evenings after getting in from work is just miserable at this time of year. The most difficult thing about training has been finding the motivation to run in this weather and recovering from the hangover at the Pall-Ex Annual Awards Evening!
I’m hoping to remain on track for my original goal of finishing around the three hours and 30 minutes – three hours and 40 minutes mark, injuries between now and April 27th permitting. Fingers crossed!
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the Pall-Ex Group London Marathon team so far, it is fantastic to be able to support such a vital charity and we are proud to provide continued support to veterans and their families around the country.
If you would like to find out more about the charity effort or donate to a member of the team, please visit: https://www.pallex.co.uk/london-marathon