West Ham United assistant first-team fitness coach Callum Foster insists beating the three-hour barrier in last Sunday’s London Marathon was the hardest thing he has ever done, as he continues to raise vital funds for the Club’s Foundation.
Having recorded a time of three hours, five minutes and 24 seconds on his first attempt at the world famous event last year, he went ten minutes quicker second time around, finishing the 26.2 mile race in two hours, 55 minutes and 32 seconds while adorned in Hammers colours.
Such an achievement is perhaps even more impressive considering the short nature of Callum’s training regime, and he explains that while he only had six to eight weeks to get ready for the starting line, he jumped at the chance to support a charity close to his heart.
“I wasn’t really expecting to finish in the time I did, so I was chuffed when I crossed the finish line,” he said. “It wasn’t easy though - I think it’s probably the toughest thing I’ve done!
“My training plan was a bit unorthodox - I didn’t have long and I didn’t want to overdo it and get injured, so I only really did one long run. I’m in pretty decent shape because of the nature of my job, and I trusted that I’d be alright.
“My plan was to go as fast as I could at the start and then hang on, which I just about did! I ran the fastest half marathon I ever have, but the last eight miles were a big struggle.
“I loved wearing the West Ham kit, and there were lots of people on the sidelines shouting ‘Irons’ at me as I was going round, which gave me a big boost. I’m proud to have run for the Foundation, because I think the work they do is really important.
“I’ve worked for West Ham for two years now - I started as a student here, and then came back full-time - so I’ve got to know about how they help the community in a variety of ways, mainly through the appearances the players attend. When they asked if I’d like to run for them, I didn’t have to think about it for very long.”
The West Ham United Foundation works to harness the power of football to maximise life chances and inspire better futures for all. The charity’s delivery extends across east London, Essex and international sites, spanning all ages and abilities; aiming to respond to local need, unite our community and provide an environment for all to thrive.
Engaging with up to 50,000 people annually, it has been supporting good causes and social support programmes for over 30 years to make a real difference to individuals, groups and communities.
The goal for Callum now is to drive towards his fundraising target of £1,000, and continue spreading the word about the invaluable work carried out by such an important branch of the Football Club.
He added: “I’m constantly learning more and more about the Foundation, and Sunday was a good opportunity to meet staff members from the charity and gain an even greater insight into the great work they conduct.
“Because it was quite a quick turnaround in terms of signing up and then running, the word about me doing the marathon has started to go round a bit more since I’ve completed it.
“I’m trying to circulate the page as much as I can, and build up the funds that will go towards a really great cause.”
Click HERE to visit Callum’s fundraising page.
To find out more about the WHU Foundation, click HERE.
