Equestrians prepare for London Marathon

This Sunday (13 April) brave runners from the equestrian world will be tackling the Virgin Money London Marathon for worthy causes.

These include the Qatar Racing team (pictured above) — some of which were unlikely contenders for a 26-mile run.

The team includes Qatar Racing’s Sheikh Fahad and his adviser, and Ledbury master David Redvers.

David is a marathon regular, however some of the others are not.

“I’m doing it, but on a lot of painkillers,” said Sheikh Fahad. “Every specialist in the world has told me running is not for me, but for Racing Welfare I’m prepared to give it a try.”

Trainer Richard Hannon, also not known for his running prowess, added: “My preparation has included running the Silverstone half.

“In the final mile I was overtaken by Daffy Duck, complete with webbed feet, and the Wolverhampton 2-man bobsleigh team — carrying a bobsleigh. If I finish in 7hr I’ll be happy.”

Others taking part include 7 running for the Countryside Alliance Foundation, World Horse Welfare’s deputy chief executive Tony Tyler and a “Colin” the fibreglass horse, who will be carried the 26.2 miles by 4 runners for the Chichester Poppy Appeal.

If you are running the London Marathon for an equestrian good cause, please tweet your name, charity and finishing time to @horseandhound using #londonmarathon

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