The Dartmouth Boggle and Word Yahtzee Sports Club (amateur)

established just before teatime 1993^©

From left: Len Parr Ferris, Ross Pyne & Ed Parr Ferris - Before The Plymouth Half Marathon 2004

Having run a few Half Marathons our attentions were draw towards the idea of running the full distance and all three of us decided it was a good one. So in early August 2004 we obtained 3 copies of the London Marathon Magazine, filled in the form, sent the cheque off and waited eagerly. Many months passed and then one dark December morning a package arrived at the door. Len was the first to hear the result of the ballot (a kind of lottery where the prize is running 26.2  miles) and he had been successful in gaining a place. Len decided to raise funds for Asthma UK. Ross received his notification a few days after and suspicion was raised by the size of the envelope as unsuccessful applicants receive a running jacket as consolation. Ross then contacted a few charity's about gaining a Golden Bond place (a guaranteed place for which you must raise a minimum amount) and he was offered the chance to run for The British & International Sailors' Society. Ed likewise received a larger than expected package about a week later, and he secured a Golden Bond place with The British Lung Foundation. 

The next 5 months were filled by Speed Work, Kenyan Hills, Fartlek & Long Distance running all over the Devon countryside (Ross clocked up 484 miles) and the task of raising almost £3,000 between us. During the 5 months of training Ross & Ed completed a 5 mile race and all three prospective marathoners completed the Asics Fleet Half Marathon, with Len & Ross recording a new PB of 1:43:43.

London Marathon 2005