Michael Manders, a Hull Trains Employee, is aiming for a Guinness World Record while he suits up for the London Marathon.
Michael is an On-Board Manager for Hull and will be taking on another challenge to complete the London Marathon wearing 15th Century suit of armour which weighs 5.5 stone.
He will be completing the challenge for the Action for Children charity and has already raised over 80% of his target.
Alongside raising money for the charity he also wants to set a new Guinness World Record for completing the marathon in a suit of armour in the quickest time.
The record is currently held by Peter Pedersen who completed the HC Andersen Marathon back in September 2008. Peter, from Denmark, completed it in 6 hours and 48 minutes with a suit of armour weight 28 kilos.
Michael is aiming to smash that record completing it in 6 hours and 30 minutes in his 36 kilo armour.
Mike is aiming for 6 hours and 30 minutes in his suit weighing 36 kilos.
Donations towards Michael's run can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mike-manders1
He said: “I'm nervous, but I'll be fine as soon as I'm on that starting line. This is the first time I have ever taken part in a marathon. Everyone has been a huge support, especially all of my colleagues at Hull Trains. They've helped me arrange accommodation, travel, and have been really flexible around my working hours, not just for this weekend, but for all of the charity events I have undertaken so far.”
Mike said: “I wanted to be there for my children in the future and show them that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Unfortunately, my kids can't be there with me in person this weekend, but they'll be following me along the app every step of the way.”
Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Hull Trains, added: “All of us at Hull Trains wish Mike the very best for this weekend and we look forward to hearing how he gets on. Running a marathon is hard enough as it is, but to do it wearing a suit of armour really shows how determined Mike is to raise awareness of his chosen charity. He really is an inspiration to everyone.”
