Join the ICR running team at the Virgin Money London Marathon

Dr Fiona Hemsley (handicap 18.4) Director of Research Operations at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), joined the 17-strong ICR London Marathon team last year for her first run over 26.2 miles and hopes to inspire others to run for this worthy cause that strives to discover how cancer can be beaten.

Fiona started running in 2012 at the Bromley parkrun and then began to include 10ks, half marathons and even track races. She said: “I surprised myself with how much I took to the training and my rapid improvement. I really enjoyed every minute of it. The knowledge that my hard work will make a difference to the ICR’s research was a real incentive when I headed out to train on those cold nights. Training with Bernie and Kish also really helped spur me on to reach my goals.”

Charlotte Orrell-Jones, Head of Events at the ICR, said: “The London Marathon is a real highlight in our events calendar, and it is wonderful to have had the support of Fiona, along with the rest of our amazing running team. Their hard work and determination to support our work is really appreciated.”

If you are inspired by this story and have your own ballot place in the Virgin Money London Marathon 2016 then email [email protected] to join the ICR running team, or see the Sports and challenges page for event listings throughout 2016.

For help with training for the Virgin Money London Marathon go to our Training and Advice section.

Click here for a programme to get you round

Click here for a programme to break 4 hours

Click here for a programme to break 3 hours

Picture Fiona Hemsley, Bernadette Fry, Kish Hyde