An Ashby runner is hoping to get into the record books by running next month’s London Marathon dressed as a helicopter.
Fiona Betts is taking on the 26 mile challenge next month, to raise funds for the Air Ambulance Service.
Over the course of her running history, she has run 12 marathons, including the Tokyo Marathon last weekend.
However, her stint on April 23, will be the first time she has attempted one in fancy dress, and she hopes to get her name into the Guinness Book of World Records if all goes to plan on the day by running as ‘The Fizcopter.’
“For many years, I’ve talked about attempting a marathon fancy dress world record. Well, finally, it’s actually happening,” she said of the challenge.
“After being inspired by watching the fundraisers of the London Marathon quite a while ago, I was struggling to think of an appropriate costume for my attempt. The the air ambulance landed in the field behind my house, and an idea was born!” she went on to reveal.
“I’m lucky enough never to have needed the services of the Air Ambulance, but I’d also like to think that they would be there if I needed them, wherever I may be in the UK.”
As well as raising vital funds for the charity, Fiona, who goes by the nickname ‘Fiz’, will be attempting to be the fastest 3D aircraft in the female category.
In order to achieve this, she will need to get around the course in less than six and a half hours.
However, her personal target is five hours she says.
She has raised £1,178 so far of her £2,000 target.
“Whilst I’m attempting to set a fancy dress world record, I’m also out to raise as I can in support of this critical emergency service,” she said on her Just Giving page.
“Yes, I’ve run a marathon (or ten-ish), but never one in fancy dress. Like the Air Ambulance Service, I’m going to need all the support I can get!”
The people of Ashby and the surrounding areas, have been incredibly supportive, she added.
“Took the Fizcopter out for a run, and a kindly gentleman I passed even handed over a tenner as sponsorship.
“I posted on a local page to explain what was going on in case anyone saw me and thought they’d been hallucinating, and a business owner from a local town who saw me has not only donated, but offered me a free meal if I set a world record.
“There are some truly lovely people in this world.”
To support Fiona, who’s running as ‘The Fizcopter,’ visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fizcopter?fbclid=IwAR11OLwmUaLuHNiY4uGYAUIG8m47SzQq36i9uAzbjv17JFkbF3plqefxXtE
