I'm proud to be part of something that will not only raise funds but also raise awareness.
Meet Luke, a 31-year-old IT Project Manager from Oxfordshire. A dedicated runner, Luke is a member of Harwell Harriers running club. He is also an England Athletics Run Leader.
Luke's running journey started in 2022 in preparation to complete the Oxford Half Marathon later that year.
We asked Luke, what inspired you to take on the London Marathon, he said: "As a youngster, I would often help with marshalling duties at my father's running club events."
"The London Marathon was the first marathon that my father, Paul Pearce, ran in the 90's. Over time, he suffered a detached retina in both eyes, undergoing five operations, but this never deterred him from running due to the joy and sense of freedom it gave him. His persistent training over the years, even with his vision deteriorating, always inspired me."
In 2003, Paul Pearce won gold in the T13 (B3) marathon at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) World Championships in Athens. In 2004, Paul was selected to represent Great Britain at the summer Paralympic Games in Athens, finishing 6th overall T13 in the marathon. In 2005, at the European Championships in Helsinki, Paul finished 5th in the T12 (B2) 10,000 metre event.
Luke added: "Unfortunately, in 2006 my father passed away after being hit by a lorry whilst on a training run, a couple of months before he was due to run the Tokyo Marathon. Before his passing, he had been named by UK Athletics as one of 22 Lottery funded World Class Performance Athletes and was training hard for a world marathon record attempt."For these reasons, British Blind Sport, the London Marathon and marathon running mean a lot to me. I know the positive impact that running can have on individuals, and the difference that British Blind Sport can make to blind and partially sighted people. For me personally, taking on the London Marathon means so much. Self-improvement and achievement are important in life and gives you a real boost."
The London Marathon will be Luke's first marathon. We asked, what has been the most challenging aspect of your marathon preparation and training so far, he said: "Trying to avoid injury has been tricky, having missed four weeks of my training plan due to weakness in my ankles and calves. I'm attending regular physio appointments and starting to see improvements."
After all the hard training comes the big day. Every runner has a different story, a different journey, and something different that they are looking forward to on marathon day. Luke said: "Just being amongst so many people on a similar journey as me, achieving their goals, makes me happy. The atmosphere and support from the London crowds is something I've wanted to experience for a long time, back to when I was a child."
He added: "I'm super excited to be part of Team BBS – I'm proud to be part of something that will not only raise funds but also raise awareness."
For anyone thinking of running the London Marathon for British Blind Sport, Luke's advice is: "Do it! Even if it feels like a difficult goal, once you break down your training week by week, it becomes manageable, and you will start to see results. Most of all, just enjoy yourself. I have put a lot of pressure on myself before about how fast I run, but I have learned just to enjoy it."
For more information about running and guide running, and how to get involved, go to: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/az/running
For more information about BBS, and how you can support, go to: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/support-us
Luke Pearce mid-race.
