Alresford man to run marathon in a pair of Crocs (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Alresford man to run marathon in a pair of Crocs

8:20am Thursday 3rd March 2011 in News

AN ALRESFORD resident is set to run more than a marathon for charity, defying his age and footwear in the process.

Geoff Robinson, 63, will run 30 miles in May in a pair of Crocs, having disposed of his regular running shoes a few years ago.

The run, which is not an organised event, is in aid of charities the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and blind charity Open Sight.

In tribute to the charities, Geoff will start his run in Thruxton, where the air ambulance is based, and finish in Bishopstoke, home of Open Sight.

Geoff, who lives in Bridge Road, got the idea to support these causes when his brother-in-law, Mayor of Eastleigh John Caldwell, made them his official mayoral charities.

He decided to run in a pair of his old gardening crocs in 2009 after picking up some injuries.

Geoff said: “I was getting a lot of injuries and as I was a biology teacher I knew the human foot has bones in it designed to cushion shock. But these expensive running shoes with their hard soles stop the foot from working properly so I think that’s what was giving me problems.

“I have been running in crocs for a couple of years and I’ve not had any problems, but I have never seen anyone else wearing them.

He added: “It’s just a personal thing, a personal challenge. I may have to walk a bit of it here and there, but I will do it, no doubt.”

Geoff began running in 2009 in a marathon in Scotland. He hopes to be joined in his latest effort by son Dougie, 40, and daughter Naomi, 38.

Any local runners are welcome to join Geoff in his challenge. Anyone interested in participating or donating can contact him on 01962 735536, email on gerobinson@btinternet.com or visit www.justgiving.com/Geoff-Robinson0.