A Rector and parish treasurer from Dorset both completed the London marathon on Sunday, raising nearly £10,000 between them for different charities.
Rev Andrew Rawding, Rector of the Bride Valley and Chesil Churches and Paul Thimont treasurer at St Martin’s Shipton Gorge, both achieved great times for their age categories.
Rev Andrew said as he was preparing for the marathon, he noticed how often the Bible talks about running as part of Christian life.
Rev Andrew said: “In the Easter build up to the marathon I noticed that both Peter and the disciple Jesus loved 'ran to the tomb' (John 20:4). It's clear to me from multiple Bible verses that running is considered part of the Christian life. Many people insist on taking the Bible literally until it comes to verses about running. The 'prize' for me (1 Corinthians 9:24) is raising money to support our children's teacher and all those impacted by multiple sclerosis. Members of my wider family and friends have died from MS. 
“So far I have raised £2,792 through the generosity of wonderful parishioners, the local community, family and friends. We will also be raising more support through a 'Mini London Marathon' that the children are completing at Burton Bradstock Church of England Primary school. I have been invited to run the 'New York City Marathon' on 2nd November, as 'one of the best age-groupers in the world.' It will take determined training to run it well and I plan to fundraise for the Weldmar Hospice in Dorchester. As the Rector I run around the parishes doing 'RAPs' (Run and Pray), which I may take forward in the future as an outreach and encouragement ministry.”
Andrew finished the course in an amazing time of 3 hours 4 minutes in his 55-59 age category.
“I had to tell myself continuously 'you can do this' as I was tempted to stop and walk or slow the pace. I put myself outside my comfort zone and at almost maximum heart rate as I know that other runners are running who have MS, or disabilities, or are running for causes linked to the loss of loved ones.”
Paul, who ran in the 70-74 age category, completed the course in 5 hours 27 minutes.
He said: “This was my third marathon, the others being in 1999 and 2018, and it was by far the hardest - in fact probably the hardest thing I have done! It was so hot, and not the time I was hoping for, but the crowds and sense of occasion were amazing. A huge thank you to all those who donated over £6,400 which was shared between two wonderful charities: Whizz Kidz who provide wheelchairs for young people, and Create, who work with society's most disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages, using the creative arts to connect, inspire and empower them.”
He added: “Running is a great way to improve both physical and mental health - and it doesn't have to be a marathon!”