Oxford Bus Co’s marathon man raises for charity

Long-serving Oxford Bus Company driver Arif Khan has pledged to do the London Marathon again next year – after completing the course in just two hours, 48 minutes and 21 seconds.

Mr Khan, 39, who was running in support of Cancer Research UK on Sunday had prepared for the 26.2 mile run by training around his work schedule and looking after his nine-year-old son.

Mr Khan was up at 2am on Sunday ahead of the big event and back at work at Oxford Bus Company on Monday with no injuries to report.

“I knew I had to run consistently and I kept to a ‘10-10-6’ strategy- ten miles slower than usual, ten miles at my training pace and then for the last six miles I ran with my heart” – Arif Khan, Oxford Bus Company driver

Mr Khan said: “It has been an amazing experience. I was up and ready by 2am on Sunday and my son was excited to see me off and to wish me luck, by 4.15am I was on the Tube.

“I felt nervous all the way, but when I arrived the atmosphere was incredible, and there were thousands of spectators all along the circuit cheering us on. I knew I had to run consistently and I kept to a ‘10-10-6’ strategy- ten miles slower than usual, ten miles at my training pace and then for the last six miles I ran with my heart.

“My body did not give up. I thought of everyone I was doing this for; my son, my mum, my colleagues at Oxford Bus Company and of course Cancer Research UK. Running is a great way to stay fit, healthy and mentally positive. If anyone reading gets the chance to run the London Marathon, take it.

“I know the Oxford Bus Company will support me next year so I can run once again for Cancer Research UK. I’ll have more water and take a few more gels next time and I aim to hit two hours and thirty minutes.”

(L to R) Arif Khan and Oxford Bus Company MD, Luke Marion

Luke Marion, Oxford Bus Company Managing Director, said: “We were all thrilled to see Arif complete the marathon for such a great charity in a truly impressive time. We supported him through his training and to see him wearing his Oxford Bus Company kit on the big day was a moment of pride for us all.

“It is great to see that his fundraiser stands at nearly £1000, and we will be providing a lump sum contribution to match whatever he raises. We’ll be rooting for him again at next year’s marathon.”

• Donations to Cancer Research UK via Mr Khan’s GoFundMe page can still be made here.