Skip to main content

Home | Press Releases | Champion Marathon Runner has heart of Gold

Elite marathon runner Darran Bilton who lives in Pickering in North Yorkshire has generously offered to race and raise funds for six selected Rotary charities in this year’s 2009 Flora London Marathon, on 26th April 09

DARRAN BILTON – ELITE MARATHON RUNNER

PICKERING AND DISTRICT ROTARY CLUB

When it has become increasingly difficult for charities to raise desperately needed funds, due to the credit crunch, Pickering and District Rotary Club is proud to announce, that elite marathon runner Darran Bilton who lives in Pickering in North Yorkshire has stepped up to the mark.  Darran has generously offered to race and raise funds for six selected Rotary charities in this year's 2009 Flora London Marathon, on 26th April 09.  His most recent achievement is being the current 2008 Champion Master in the London Flora Marathon and was the Champion Master in 2007. (Master is a veteran i.e over 40 years of age).  In March 09 Darran won the Silverstone Half Marathon that is the forerunner to the London Flora Marathon with a field of 10,000 runners.

This year Darran's aim is to be the first elite athlete to complete and race  in both the London Flora Marathon and Edinburgh marathon.  His achievements include:

2009 Silverstone Half Marathon – 1st

2009 Competed in the European Cross Country Championships

2008 London Marathon - 1st Master

2008 European Cross Country Championships - 6th Team

2007 London Marathon - 1st Master

2007 European Cross Country Championships - 11th Team

2006 British & Irish Masters Cross Country - 1st Team, 2nd Individual

2005 Toronto Marathon - 2nd Team

2004 Hong Kong Marathon - 3rd Team

2003 London Marathon - 3rd Briton

Pickering and District Rotary Club are delighted Darran has chosen to support six wonderful Rotary chosen charities comprising: 

Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Saint Catherine's Hospice Scarborough, Macmillan Cancer Support, MSRC (Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre), Ryedale Special Families, and a Rotary District Project providing hospital equipment and expertise in hospital in the town of Mwansa in Tanzania.     The Rotary Club hope the public will be inspired and will reward these charities for Darran's efforts with generous heartfelt donations. 

"I am delighted to be running the 2009 London Marathon as defending 'Masters' champion and raising sponsorship for Pickering and District Rotary Clubs six selected Rotary Charities. I am particularly thrilled on their selection. Your support will be gratefully received and I believe faithfully and ethically applied."  Darran Bilton.

 Never before have we had the privilege to support a local athlete, with such a tremendous track record and pedigree, who indeed wants to put something back and make the world a better place.  He really does live up to the Rotary motto 'Service above Self'.   Pickering Rotary Club, hope the Media and the Wider Community as a whole will make their own marathon efforts and get behind Darran with their generosity and truly make a difference to these six wonderful charities.  Donations should be sent directly to the charities, but those who are particularly inspired by Darran's efforts and want to make that extra difference in volunteering and getting support for Darran should also contact the charities directly or speak to me", said Peter Illingworth International Chairman of Pickering and District Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club of Pickering and District is proposing that each charity would act as their own hub, seek sponsors and promote Darran and all funds that each charity raises will go directly to them, thereby, keeping administration and costs to a bare minimum.  In this sense the Rotary Club would be acting as a facilitator.  In the event that Pickering and District Rotary Club were sent funds to support any or all the charities they would of course split the proceeds appropriately.

You may wish to Google search for Darran Bilton Marathon Runner to provide you with more background.  Also try URLs

www.sportingchampions.org.uk/sc2/champions_profile.php?champion_id=162

www.gazetteherald.co.uk/sport/4136139.us_beckons_for-Bilton/

www.adidashalfmarathon.co.uk/reports/2009/

"Darran is a very inspiring individual, he is always positive, and has reached it elite status by hard work and dedication, training hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month. Demonstrating most things are possible but not without hard work and perspiration."  reports Peter Illingworth

For further information contact

Peter Illingworth

International Chairman

Pickering and District Rotary Club

Marton Lodge, Marton, Sinnington, York.

YO62 6RQ Tel 01751 431107