Going the distance... local businessman’s marathon success!

Wednesday 11th-Sunday 15th July 2012

Beating his personal challenge to run this year’s London Marathon in less than four hours, 60 year old local businessman, James Shepard completed the punishing 26.2 miles in a very impressive time of 3:46:37.  James was the 7,559th runner out of massive 36,672 to cross the finishing line, placing him a brilliant 77th in his age group (60-64 year olds).  The founder and co-director of Larmer Tree Festival ran in aid of the festival’s first charity partner, the MS Society, and has raised a superb £4,367 so far!

James’ marathon efforts have put Larmer Tree Festival on track to reach their fundraising target of £5,000 plus for the MS Society by the end of this year’s festival - 15th July 2012.  If fact, when adding the gift aid to the fundraising total so far, £5,112.51 has already been donated to the cause but the festival’s fundraising won’t stop here. The team are planning to hold an auction during the five-day party to raise even more vital funds and have already got several exciting prizes lined-up including 192 bottles of beer from Ringwood Brewery.

To spur James on in his training he issued a challenge to all local marathon runners - beat his time and win five-day tickets and a stay in a Hotel Bell tent while at the festival.  Ian Knauer of Ringwood Brewery took on the challenge and issued one of his own - if he didn’t beat James he’d donate his height in beer to the auction. Ian didn’t succeed, and so 192 bottles of Ringwood Best will be auctioned off!  No other local challengers were successful in beating James’ time.

James, who was inspired to run the race by a close friend who’s been living with MS for the last ten years, said:  “I’m absolutely over the moon.  On entering the marathon I set myself two challenges - raise £5,000 for the MS Society and run it under four hours - I’m proud to have achieved both!  Thanks to all those who’ve supported me by donating money to this very worthwhile cause and I hope we can raise lots more towards funding research into finding a cure for this devastating disease.”

People can continue to donate to James’ fundraising site, simply go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamesShepard.  MS Week 2012 is taking place between 30th April-6th May, so it’s the perfect time to give money to the charity.

Set in the magnificent Larmer Tree Pleasure Gardens, the festival’s diverse bill of music and comedy attracts an intimate crowd of 4,000 people each day.  It showcases six stages with over 70 diverse and eclectic artists, cutting edge comedians, quirky street theatre, 150 free workshops, spoken word and much, much more!