The president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is finally set to achieve his goal of running the London Marathon this weekend, to raise funds for a charity based in the Royal Town.
Phil Arkinstall (pictured), who is also the CEO of video production firm Ark Media, originally planned to run the marathon last April to mark his 40th birthday.
But the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic and the rearranged race in October was only open to professional athletes.
Now Phil is stepping up his training for this year’s marathon, which takes place this Sunday, when he’ll be raising funds for YMCA Sutton Coldfield.
Phil said: “I was supposed to be doing the marathon to mark my 40th birthday in March 2020.
“Now, it’s finally here and I’m well on the way to being 42!
“I’ve completed numerous half marathons but want to complete my first full marathon.”
Phil has chosen to run the marathon in aid of YMCA Sutton Coldfield – a charity he has developed close ties with both through the Chamber and his own business.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield – which is the Chamber’s chosen charity for the year – provides support to vulnerable and deprived young people in the local community, including the homeless.
Phil added: “I am running on behalf of YMCA Sutton Coldfield to help raise money for their work with homeless people and disability groups.
“I’ve worked with the YMCA for a few years providing video production support including making a documentary about an exchange programme they did in Israel and Palestine.
“The documentary was nominated for a Midlands Royal Television Society Award.”
Phil is inviting sponsorship and sharing updates on his training via his JustGiving page – click here.
