LUKE CLOCKS UP THE MILES IN STAGGERING SIX MARATHON CHALLENGE

A Royal Navy Observer from RNAS Culdrose has completed an incredible ‘Six Marathon Challenge’ in an unbelievable six weeks.

Lieutenant Luke Maciejewski (25) from 824 Naval Air Squadron who is currently learning how to operate the Merlin Mk 2 helicopter, found both the time and energy amongst his busy schedule to train and compete over the 156 miles of the six races.

“I’d set myself the challenge back in September last year of running six marathons across the country over six consecutive weekends,” said Luke. “My dad has Multiple Sclerosis and my aim was to raise at least £3000 for the MS Society.”

Luke set about his training in the winter months and organised his criss-crossing of the country to take in six suitable events. His challenge stated on 24 April 2016 where he ran the London Marathon in 3 hours 24 minutes, in the following weeks he ran the Salcombe Coastal Trail, Halstead Essex, Brecon Beacons, Worcester Marathon and finished with the Liverpool Marathon on 29 May in a time of 3 hours 33 minutes.

“I was pretty confident about my fitness, but I had to make sure I stayed injury free from start to finish. After a couple of the races I’d got into a good routine and I had some great support from my family and friends to spur me on.”

Having now completed his challenge Luke is back amongst the Merlins with 824 NAS, finishing off his training with the Fleet Air Arm and the Royal Navy, and will pick up his Naval Observer Wings in the not so distant future.

Multiple Sclerosis is a neurological condition which affects over 100,000 people in the UK. The MS society needs money to support those with the condition and their families. Luke has seen this at 1st hand when the MS society made funds available for a stair lift which was financially unobtainable. 

Luke set up a Just Giving page for his Six Marathon Challenge and all the money donated will go to the MS Society; his Just Giving page is www.justgiving/luke-maciejewski