Cookies help our website to remember you and your preferences. For more information or to update your cookie settings, please go to our privacy policy.

Accept Decline
Skip to content.

The national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity

Menu. Open and close this menu with the ENTER key.

Blog: “Running provides me with longer term health benefits”

The Virgin Money London Marathon 2018 takes place on Sunday 22 April, and this year the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) will have 27 runners taking on the 26 mile and 385 yard course. This year, 48 year old Technical Research Director, Phill Laycock will lace up his running shoes in support of EFDS. He tells us how important the benefits of running are to him and how he is looking forward to his first marathon.

Phill running.

As a complete non-runner I decided to take up running in August 2010. I could not even manage 1km without having to stop. Eight years on and I have now I’ve done over 7,500 miles. So, I’m really pleased to be running my first London Marathon this Sunday.

I’ll be running in support of EFDS and I’m very happy to be doing so. I resonate with the charity’s values and to help disabled people stay active is a very worthwhile cause. I feel it’s important to stay active. It provides immediate and longer term benefits to health. I’m very lucky to be able go to out and run, swim or play sport and these opportunities should be available to everyone.

I really enjoy running, I love being out in the fresh air and it keeps me fit. It’s an added bonus that I can eat what I want without putting on weight too. I also love running in locations around the world, it’s a great way to see places.

Having run many half marathons, the London Marathon was the next big challenge for me. A sub four hour time would be great but I must not underestimate how tough the last six miles will be.

I have been training mostly by myself. Although I did some running in New Orleans whilst on business with a couple of fast distance runners. Running along Bourbon Street early in the morning flat out was an experience!

Before the race I will have done 530 training miles this year. I have run a minimum half marathon distance every weekend except one, and managed two 18 and two 20 mile long runs.

Training for the London Marathon has helped me to think more clearly and has reduced my stress levels. It’s also improved my running ability as I have structured my training for the first time ever. I never ran further than 16 miles before I started my training, so it’s already a fantastic achievement for me to see how far I have come already.

I’ll have a lot of support on the day. My wife Gail and two daughters, Issy and Tilly will be watching from home and tracking me. I have a few friends who will be in London on the day, which I really appreciate.

I’m most looking forward to enjoying the day and soaking up the atmosphere, and of course to finish the race! 

Make a donation on Phill's JustGiving page.

The London Marathon will be shown on BBC 1 on Sunday 22 April from 8:30am. Follow the event on social media via the hashtags #LondonMarathon and #SpiritOfLondon.

We would like to wish all 27 runners the best for the London Marathon and thank you for raising funds for EFDS. Share your messages of support on Twitter, tag @Eng_Dis_Sport in your tweets.  

If you’re looking to be more active but aren't sure how to start, visit our dedicated webpages for advice.