Blackpool runner completes 26.5 miles on day of cancelled London marathon

Instead, Emily, 25, whose parents own Adelaide House Hotel on Adelaide Street in Blackpool set off to run 26.5 miles around Blackpool and surrounding areas to raise cash for Guide Dogs.

Former Arnold pupil Emily is isolating with her parents after being furloughed from her work at adventure company Black Tomato, based in Newcastle.

She was due to run the London Marathon on Sunday after training since September.

But as it was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic, she instead ran a solitary marathon, setting off at 6.30am before reuniting with her parents Caryn, 56, and Derek, 57, at the finish line.

Once home, neighbours came out to wish her well, her parents sprayed a bottle of fizz and a banner was put up outside her house in her honour.

And as Emily completed what she had set out to do she has raised £2,170 for Guide Dogs and more sponsors are still coming in.

Emily has taken part in a Gold duke of Edinburgh with the Blackpool Windmill Trust, has gone backpacking around South America for six months and has already completed The Great North run in Newcastle nine times.

Her mum Caryn says: "She set off at 6.30am and so didn't see anyone.

"She went from Blackpool to Cleveleys, Poulton and Thornton.

"We went to meet her but she didn't have the crowds, cheering, flag waving that she would have got at the London Marathon.

"We sprayed some fizz and put up a banner and some of our neighbours came out to congratulate her.

"It was nice and we are really proud of her.

"At The Blackpool Windmill Trust she is known as the Golden Girl."

Emily says: "I have been training since September so I was determined to do it on the day

"I ran 26.5 miles and it took four hours and 45 minutes.

"There was no one around and no crowds to cheer me on which made it harder but once I finished I felt great, I felt I had achieved something."

Now, Emily is hoping to run The London Marathon in October but says she is aware it may be postponed further.

She said: "I'm looking forward to eventually running the London Marathon.

"And I am glad I still ran on the day."