18 year old Archie hopes his Marathon challenge will inspire others
At just eighteen years of age, Archie Kallmeier will be one of the youngest runners taking to the streets of London on Sunday. He is hoping that he will inspire others in doing so.“Just a few years ago, I was nowhere near this fit,” says Archie. “I hope that seeing where I am now will motivate others to start their own fitness journey.”
Archie is in his second year of a B-Tech Sport and Exercise course and his marathon training has undoubtedly helped him with the practical side of things. With final assessments and exams just round the corner, training runs have actually been quite a nice relief as it’s encouraged him to get outside and de-stress. His longest run to date has been an impressive 20.5 miles which he achieved by running a half marathon with his uncle and then ploughing straight into another 7.5 miles with his dad without stopping for a breath!
“That distance was absolutely draining,” says Archie. “My legs were aching, and I just wanted it to stop. I know that it’ll be fine on the day though as I’ll be surrounded by others in the same boat. The atmosphere will be amazing, and I know that it will inspire me to keep going.”
Archie’s mum, Emma, has worked as a nurse at the Hospice for over twenty years, and is the inspiration behind Archie choosing to use his marathon ballot place as a fundraiser.
“I love the work that the guys do at the Hospice,” says Archie. “I really respect it and want to support it.”
Archie is well on his way to achieving his target of £1000, having already raised an impressive £770. He is already talking about applying for a ballot place again next year in the hope that his uncle gets a long-awaited place too.
If you would like to show him your support, you can donate at www.justgiving.com /page/archierunsthelondonmarathon.