Our ‘fab four’ TCS London Marathon runners tell of their amazing experience
Four runners who completed the TCS London Marathon flying the flag for Burnley Leisure and Culture (BLC) have been speaking of their amazing experience.
“Crossing the finish line was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Corey Bellamy, one of three BLC members and one instructor chosen by ballot to represent us after we secured four places in this year’s London Marathon, to raise funds for our charity-supported community programme.
Each of the four was challenged to raise at least £1,500 and Corey, who crossed the finish line on The Mall in four hours and 35 minutes (4:35), has so far raised £1,800.
He adds: “I’m proud to have raised over £1,800 from 70 generous sponsors, aided by a raffle supported by incredible Burnley small businesses.
“I feel truly privileged for the support of my family and friends alongside the helping hand from my workplace. Huge thanks to Burnley leisure for the opportunity – it was an honour to run for such a brilliant charity.”
Two of the other runners, Ryan McBreen and John Klee, crossed the finishing line within five minutes of each other, with times of 3:52 and 3:57 respectively.
“It was tough, it was hot, but the crowd and the atmosphere got me to the finish line. What an amazing experience!” says Ryan, a BLC instructor and staff champion, whose fundraising total stands at £1,624.
“I’ve always wanted to do the London Marathon and BLC gave me the opportunity. Huge thanks to everyone who sponsored me.”
John, who has raised £2,772 so far, says: “The atmosphere on the day was brilliant and I really enjoyed the first 20 miles or so, before having to drag myself to the finish line for the last 10k!
“I had voice notes from my daughter, Jessica, to get me through to the end and I called her after the finish line! I found the volume of training hard but enjoyed it and I lost over a stone in training.
“Lots of friends and family were very generous towards the fundraising and I managed to reach the target before race day and have gone well beyond it after it!”
BLC’s fourth participant, Georgina Beveridge (5:24), says: “My first marathon – what a fantastic opportunity BLC gave me! It was an all-round epic day with full support for 26.2 miles. It was truly amazing to be part of it.
“Who’d have thought I would be running a marathon? I am so happy to have had the chance to raise awareness of the charity behind BLC and what it offers to the local community. Family and friends have been so supportive and I thank them all.”
Georgina’s total currently stands at £720, but she is planning to add to that with ticket sales for a celebratory curry night at the award-winning Aroma Asian Restaurant, on Church Street, Burnley, on 11 May. (For more details email jojohn521@outlook.com or call or text 07944 318 627.)
Alexis Turner, BLC’s Outdoor Activity Co-ordinator, says: “Congratulations to our three amazing members and staff champion Ryan – every penny of the money they’ve raised goes towards making a real difference locally.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, the four places in this year’s TCS London Marathon, along with the four we’ve secured in this iconic event for each of the next three years, is a massive coup for us and an excellent headline opportunity in support of our initiatives.”
The community initiatives benefitting from our fab four’s marathon effort are:
- Walking Back to Happiness – walking-based projects ranging from gentle health walks, themed walks to walking football and netball.
- Breaking Barriers, Building Champions – funding for sport-related, talent pathways, subsidised swimming, grassroots and club development support, school sports and more.
- Healthy Hearts, Happy Minds – a varied range of sessions, from active adults to SEND dance, that feature inclusive cycling; empowering individuals of every ability to live healthier, happier lives.
- Creative and Connected Communities – helping people embrace the great outdoors through BLC’s #OutdoorTown vision, cultural activities, and one-off events.
About 60,000 people took part in this year’s marathon, with all four of our runners finishing in and around the top half of the field.
We will be looking for four more eager fundraisers to enter our ballot for the 2027 event. For the latest updates on when the next BLC ballot opens, please check our social channels and website first. If you can’t find the information you need, feel free to email us at community@blcgroup.co.uk
