Entertainment
Mark Wright ‘so pumped’ to take on first ever London Marathon with coaching from Paula Radcliffe
Mark has an ‘absolute marathon legend’ in Paula helping him out (Picture: Flora.com)
TV star Mark Wright will be running this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon for the first time this October with help from world champion and three-time London Marathon winner, Paula Radcliffe.
The football pundit and entrepreneur is taking on the challenge as part of Flora’s Get Towns Active campaign, which seeks to inspire people across the UK and Ireland to live a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Mark, 32, described himself as ‘so pumped’ to be taking on the 26.2 mile route, especially with Paula coaching him every step of the way.
He shared: ‘I’m hugely privileged to have the support of absolute marathon legend, Paula Radcliffe – it doesn’t get much better than that.
‘I know she will have so much amazing advice to share with me throughout my training so I hope I can do her and myself proud.’
Sporting icon Paula has previously won three titles at the London Marathon, in 2002, 2004 and 2005, and will be on hand to provide former The Only Way is Essex star Mark with training and nutrition tips ahead of race day on October 3.
Obligatory personalised running shirt for Mark for the marathon (Picture: Ben Queenborough/PinPep)
Paula will also be helping Mark with his nutrition (Picture: Ben Queenborough/PinPep)
‘As an ambassador for Flora I’m thrilled to be coaching Mark through his first ever marathon experience,’ Paula said. ‘Beyond the physical demands, training can be mentally challenging too, but I know Mark has got what it takes and his commitment and dedication to his fitness is going to stand him in really good stead.’
Paula, who won the London Marathon (in her words) ‘many moons ago’, when Flora sponsored the event, also set a new women’s world record in 2003.
She continued: ‘I am really looking forward to seeing Mark’s progress as marathon day approaches.’
Paula on her way to winning the London Marathon in 2005 (Picture: PA Wire)
Explaining his reason for choosing to take on the gruelling task of a marathon, Mark explained: ‘Fitness and nutrition is a massive part of my life and this was a big chance to share my experience, and the benefits of getting fit and eating right, with people across the UK and Ireland.’
‘I’m a big believer in exercise being a social activity and brilliant for mental health as well as physical, so this is something close to my heart and I’d love for people to come on that journey with me.’
‘Fitting exercise into the day doesn’t have to mean compromising on time with your family, so whether you’re committing to a daily walk with the kids, or even challenging yourself and your partner to run a marathon, it’s important to make it work for you.’
More: Mark Wright
Both Mark and Paula will be sharing his journey to the start line on their Instagram accounts, and with the Flora community.
For more information on how to join in the Get Towns Active movement, visit flora.com and follow along with Mark Wright, Paula Radcliffe and the rest of the Flora community on Instagram using #TeamFlora #GetTownsActive.
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