AFTER a successful season behind the wheel, motorsport star Andy Meyrick is gearing himself up for yet another gruelling challenge – the 2011 Virgin London Marathon.
The 25-year-old from Delamere, who finished an incredible fourth on his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut in June, will be running alongside his racing counterparts on Sunday, April 17 as part of a 10-strong British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) line-up.
After being asked by fellow driver Oliver Gavin, keen runner Meyrick was quick to sign up for a team that raised more than £100,000 for the children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent at last year’s marathon and will this year generate funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“I’ve always wanted to take part in the London marathon as it’s a massive physical challenge and such an iconic event,” said Meyrick, who received plenty of plaudits following his debut season in the American Le Mans Series.
“I was honoured that Olly and the BRDC gave me the opportunity to take part in the event and to raise money for such an important and worthwhile cause as the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.
“The work that they do is phenomenal and I am delighted that I can be a part of this whole process and help raise money and the profile of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”
Chester-born Meyrick, a former Helsby High and King’s School pupil, has been combining his training for the gruelling 26.2-mile marathon with his preparations for his forthcoming campaign on the grid.
“Training has been going really well for the marathon and next season and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to take part in the Intercontinental Cup,” said Meyrick.
“I’ve been training since mid-November and have just been running as many miles as I possibly can.
“The way I look at it, the marathon will be around the same length of time that I am in the car for when I’m racing so I should be fairly used to the endurance aspect of it.
“Whether or not I’ll feel the same when I’m 22 miles into the race we'll have to wait and see!”
If you look would like to support Andy Meyrick’s bid to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust you can make a donation online at www.virginmoneygiving.com/andymeyrick
