Olympian’s advice boosts marathon runner Alfie

A Derby teacher is preparing to run the London Marathon is aid of Treetops Hospice – with help from an Olympian.

Alfie Holland, who works at Murray Park School, in Mickleover, will take part in the marathon on 26 April for the Risley-based end-of-life charity.

His training plan has been boosted by friend Ben Connor, an Olympic marathon runner for Team GB, who has provided crucial advice.

Alfie explained: “Ben told me that around 90% of my training should be at an easy pace.

“I’d been pushing way too hard, and hearing that from an Olympian completely changed my mindset. If an Olympic marathon runner tells you it’s okay to run slowly, you listen!”

Ben has since written Alfie a personalised training plan to continue to help him prepare for the challenge.

Ben’s school has also got behind him. A recent non-uniform day raised over £800 for Treetops, with plenty more fundraising activities planned in the run-up to race day.