Chamber president gearing up for marathon challenge
The president of Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce is finally set to achieve his goal of running the London Marathon - 18 months later than first planned.
Phil Arkinstall, who is also the CEO of video production firm Ark Media, originally planned to run the marathon last April to mark his 40th birthday.
But the 2020 event was cancelled due to the pandemic and the rearranged race in October was only open to professional athletes.
Now Phil is stepping up his training for this year 's marathon, which takes place on Sunday 3 October, when he 'll be raising funds for YMCA Sutton Coldfield.
Phil said: “I was supposed to be doing the marathon to mark my 40th birthday in March 2020.
“When I actually do it I 'll be well on my way to 42. I was deep into my training programme, having just completed an 18-mile run, as lockdown started.
“I 've completed numerous half marathons but want to complete my first full marathon.
“My main training is about to start in a week or so. For the first half of this year, I 've been running quite a lot to keep fit including doing an official half marathon in Sutton Park a few weeks ago. ”
Phil has chosen to run the marathon in aid of YMCA Sutton Coldfield - a charity he has developed close ties with both through the Chamber and his own business.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield - which is the Chamber 's chosen charity for the year - provides support to vulnerable and deprived young people in the local community, including the homeless.
Phil added: “I am running on behalf of YMCA Sutton Coldfield to help raise money for their work with homeless people and disability groups.
“I 've worked with the YMCA for a few years providing video production support including making a documentary about an exchange programme they did in Israel and Palestine.
“The documentary was nominated for a Midlands Royal Television Society Award. ”
Phil is inviting sponsorship and sharing updates on his training via his JustGiving page - click here.