17/4/2008

Local News

Everyone's a Marathon winner

Woking’s Paz Morreale donned a bright green wig to run in this year’s London Marathon.

THE marathon in London last Sunday saw a brave contingent from all over the Woking borough go that extra-mile (or two!) as they pounded the streets of the capital to raise much-needed funds for a number of worthy causes. Here LOUISE OSBORNE tells their stories — and the News and Mail offers a big ‘well done’ to them all.

An ecstatic runner praised the fabulous atmosphere at Sunday’s London Marathon and said it spurred him on to surpass his personal best.

Paz Morreale, of Goldsworth Park, jogged over the finish line in 5hrs 15 mins to the cheers of thousands of spectators. He raised £500 for charity in the process.

Mr Morreale, 38, who took on the challenge for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This is the second time I have run the marathon and it was a really good day.

“I shaved 15 minutes off my previous time, which was great considering the weather wasn’t very nice — there were hailstones and torrential rain.”

A district manager with the Nationwide building society, Mr Morreale began training for the event in January. He chose to support the cancer charity because the disease has affected some of his friends. His employer also has links with the Macmillan cancer charity.

He added: “There were lots of people along the way wishing me luck and I got plenty of messages of support from friends and family.

“The atmosphere was the best ever — it is an international event attracting people from all over the world.  There is always encouragement if someone is suffering, which is a great help.

“It is great when you get to the last 400 metres and I was running alongside actress Amanda Holden, which was pretty good, too.”

First printed in: Woking News and Mail

Related Articles Father’s poignant challenge First run under his belt Perfect time for Paul Heather: It was tough ‘Family got me through’ Brilliant bonding Lisa joy over first run Adam found it cool running in the rain Gordon’s high five Jamie races in to beat his target Injury blow is a shaker for Alex