Sturgess Motor Group Sales Executive Gears Up For The London Marathon

Online, January 29, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Only a year after taking up running, Jaguar car sales specialist Alex Doory is in training for this year's London Marathon.

Alex, who works for Sturgess Motor Group in Narborough Road, Leicester, aims to raise at least £2,000 for the Alzheimer's Society and is currently clocking up 40 to 50 miles a week in preparation for the big event on April 17th.

Alex, who is 50 in November, was inspired to take up running after watching a friend compete in the Leicester Half Marathon in October 2009.

He said: "Taking part were men and women of all ages, shapes and sizes including blind competitors and people in wheelchairs. I was so impressed I decided to give it a go and pushed myself to enter the Hinckley Half Marathon in May last year.

"My new regime was tough going at first and I only managed a quarter of a mile at my first attempt. "With practice though I soon built up to five miles a session and by the time I entered my first ever half marathon I was fit enough to complete it in a respectable 1 hour 49 minutes."

Alex, whose mum suffers from Alzheimer's, has already raised hundreds of pounds for the Alzheimer's Society by competing in the 2010 Leicester Half Marathon. He is one of 70 runners nationally to gain a golden ticket on the charity's behalf, guaranteeing his place in the 2011 London Marathon.

He added: "The Alzheimer's Society is a wonderful charity which has provided a lot of support to my mum and to me. When customers find out I'm running for such a good cause they're keen to sponsor me. Similarly, Sturgess have been very supportive and have pledged the proceeds of this year's charity golf day to my sponsorship fund."

Alex, who lives in Kirby Muxloe, is now a member of the Huncote Harriers. When's he's not pounding the lanes around Enderby, Narborough and Kirby he can often be found working out on the treadmill at David Lloyd Fitness Club in Narborough.

Alex, said running had helped him re-assess his lifestyle. He added: "As part of my regime I've also given up smoking, improved my diet and generally improved my fitness levels. To compete in the London Marathon before I turn 50 is the realisation of a major personal goal. For me this race isn't about achieving a personal best, though. It's about being able to participate in such a prestigious event while raising money for a very deserving cause."

To donate to Alex's sponsorship fund, please visit Alex's page on the virginmoneygiving website