A CUMNOCK man has ran his ninth consecutive London Marathon – less than a week before getting married and just days after a worrying hospital stint.

Derek Montgomery, 51, took on his nearly decade-long feat for a ninth time in aid of Children with Cancer UK, following the death of his father and brother to the disease years ago.

Despite Derek’s excitement, the process was a bit more dramatic than anticipated, with a few hiccups along the way.

He said: “The marathon itself was frustrating due to Covid restrictions in the capital for the event. Registration for the event and the race were both under strict Covid rules which meant runners had to provide proof of PCR testing before they could enter any of the marathon venues.

“On the day itself, I had to be there almost two hours prior to the race and wait in the rain-soaked security area before the start time. That of course meant a 4.30am early alarm to make the journey across central London.

Cumnock Chronicle:

“However the race did go ahead for the first time in two years and I was glad to finish it for my ninth successive year.”

Derek’s fundraising has so far totalled more than £4,000, taking the overall amount raised to an incredible £40,000.

He said: “On returning back home all of our attention turned immediately to our wedding on Saturday at Enterkine House which certainly lived up to the usual last minute dramas with hospital treatment for a painful eye infection. I’ve now applied to run in 2022 for my 10th and possibly final London marathon.”