1 down 5 to go in Haines’ 6 marathon challenge

(CNS): Local veteran marathon runner Derek Haines is one stride closer to his target of finishing six marathons this year to raise $1 million to build an inpatient care unit for the local hospice. The 65-year-old completed the Paris Marathon on Sunday in an impressive four hours and three minutes and now has less than a week to nurse his blisters and sore knees before he hits the streets of London next Sunday for the UK capital’s annual race. Haines lined up with more than 42,000 to run through the French capital, which was won by 10,000m Olympic record-holder Kenenisa Bekele (31), who broke the course record and clocked the sixth-fastest marathon debut of all time in 2:05.04. 

Haines will be very happy that the first 26 miles of his massive 156-mile target is now under his belt, which will hopefully boost the pledges towards the $1 million target.

After the London marathon next week Haines is hoping to be fit and ready for the Pamplona in Spain on 28 June, where he will be running with his daughter, Lizzy.

Then Haines will be headed for the United States for the San Francisco marathon just a month later.

He is still awaiting confirmation for his participation in the New York marathon but if he gets accepted he will run that race on 2 November. Haines sixth long distance run will be on home turf in the Cayman marathon on 7 December.

Donations can be made by accessing the dedicated website at six4hospice.com.