Gareth Bullock, who lives near Olhão with his wife and daughter, will be attempting his first marathon, in Lisbon, on 2 October to raise money for the Rarissimas Centre, which he was introduced to through a friend.
He is attempting the run “as a personal challenge, but also to raise money for the charity as I have a friend whose son benefits from the centre.”
Mr. Bullock says the funds raised so far have “already exceeded my expectations, and it means so much to me to have the support of family and friends in this way.”
Rarissimas is a centre for children and their families, who have rare illnesses or diseases. It provides support, training, excursions and day-care activities for the children.
Gareth tells The Portugal News: “I got involved with fitness training two years ago and like many, got hooked, then did a few local runs with Algarve running groups, night runs, then set a target or a life (midlife crisis!) challenge to run a marathon.”
He has since completed the Vilamoura half-marathon, the Faro trail half-marathon, and many runs organised by Let’sGoRunPT.
“I chose the Lisbon Marathon purely as I live here, it was the easiest to reach and also the race is from Cascais to Lisbon, running all along the river, which will provide spectacular views to keep me amused and motivated!
“I am fit enough to complete this distance, but as with any long race it is the mind that determines how you do.”
His views on the renowned Lisbon Marathon’s scenic route were this week echoed by the event’s organisers, who said the race has “one of the prettiest trajectories in the world.”
Carlos Moia, spokesperson for the Lisbon Marathon, said during a press conference that while the route might not be the most beautiful in the world, it is certainly one of the prettiest, rich in history and warm welcomes for all athletes, national and foreign.
Around 5,800 athletes, professional and amateurs are expected to take part in this year’s event, 4,300 of whom are foreign, from 69 different countries.
The Rock’N’Roll Maratona de Lisboa EDP is due to start in Cascais on 2 October at 8.30am, and finishes at Lisbon’s Park of Nations.
To sponsor Mr Bullock see fundraising page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gareth-bullock

For more on Rarissimas, see: www.rarissimas.pt.