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UEL student to run the London Marathon: backwards!

Friday 8 April 2011

Karl Twomey

University of East London student Karl Twomey is busy training to compete in the London Marathon next month along with thousands of other runners; the only difference is that he plans to complete the entire race backwards.

Karl, who is currently studying for his PGCE in Physical Education at the University, after completing a Sports Science degree at UEL last year, is running the marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

He explains: “Last year I lost my dad to cancer. I miss him hugely and really wish I had the power to turn back the clock but while his memory still lives strong in me there is unfortunately no tomorrow for us.”

“Through the groundbreaking work performed by Cancer Research UK into the prevention, diagnosing and treatment of cancer worldwide, millions will survive cancer and get to see and share that tomorrow.”

Karl is not the first person to discover the joys of retro-running as the sport is officially known. Asked why he decided to run the endurance race this way, he says: “On dark chilly nights trudging backwards on a running track, I did sometimes think why the hell I'm doing this myself!”

“Having trained for a marathon many years ago and then not being able to compete because of a knee injury, I was unsure if it was wise to even contemplate trying for it again. My physiotherapist warned me against ever attempting it, so with that in my mind I was determined to find an alternative way of getting my body and more importantly my knees around in one piece! An afternoon of research pointed in one direction - backwards.”

Not only does running backwards place less stress on the knees and therefore reduce the likelihood of future injuries, due to its unusualness, Karl says it seemed like the perfect way of drawing attention towards and raising money for his chosen charity.

I know that what physical and psychological discomfort I feel in forcing my body through this training and the race itself, pales beyond belief to what my dad and all those others who have suffered cancer and its treatments have had to deal with...so man up and push on is what I do.”

To donate towards Karl’s marathon run visit his website at http://www.backwards4cancer.com/

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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