Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger to run London Marathon

• Katherine Grainger, trustee of London 2012’s legacy charity International Inspiration, set to  run London Marathon.

• London 2012 Olympic champion sets her sights on running first marathon.

• Charity continues its work to empower more generations, world-wide, through quality sport and physical activity.

International Inspiration has today confirmed that Katherine Grainger will run the 2014 London Marathon and fundraise on behalf of the charity.

Katherine and International Inspiration will be raising funds – through the Marathon - for the charity’s programmes and projects around the world, using monies raised to continue to use the power of sport to positively impact upon the lives of children, young people and marginalised groups around the world.

Having fulfilled Lord Coe’s 2005 Singapore Promise to reach 12 million children and young people across the world by the London 2012 Games, International Inspiration has continued to embody this promise. The charity had already surpassed its ambitious target, changing the lives of over 15 million children and young people, and is now committed to continue to help inspire and engage the youth and excluded around the world through sport for years to come. 

Katherine Grainger said: “I am delighted to announce that, on behalf of International Inspiration, I will be able to fulfill a long standing ambition and run the 2014 London Marathon.

“Starting my training, I’ve realised that this challenge will fully push me out of my comfort zone as an Olympic rower. But International Inspiration is about making a difference to people’s lives and providing opportunities where there weren’t any before and I’m proud to play my part. I want to raise awareness of the charity’s fantastic work, which has already helped to inspire and transform the lives of over 15 million children, young and disadvantaged people around the world through the power of sport.”  

Lord Seb Coe, Chair of International Inspiration, said: “International Inspiration is privileged to have a trustee of Katherine’s standing. Her decision to run the marathon on behalf of the charity and the millions of children and young people we are reaching and engaging through sport is truly inspirational.

“We have grown into an ambitious, partnership focused charity that will continue its journey forward, and further evolve within the sport for development world so that the vital work to help those less fortunate endures long into the future.” 

Henry Lihaya, Secretary General, National Sports Council of Tanzania, said: “Katherine’s decision to run one of the biggest marathons in the world is fantastic for the charity. We, here at the Tanzania National Sports Council, witness first-hand the impact this funding – across the five regions we work - has upon children and young people in our programme, International Inspiration’s work helps us to inspire and bring positive change for the world’s future generations.”

Follow Katherine’s journey to the London Marathon finish line by visiting http://www.internationalinspiration.org/Katherine%20Grainger - you’ll be able to keep up-to-date with her training regime as well as get involved and give International Inspiration and Katherine your much needed support. 

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information or interview requests, please contact the International Inspiration press office:

Gagandeep Bedi – 07920 478 994 – Gagandeep.Bedi@uksport.gov.uk

International Inspiration (IN)

Following the success of the London 2012’s International Inspiration Programme, International Inspiration (IN) has now entered the second phase of its work on the crest of another promise: to keep alight the inspirational power of the Games in London to engage and empower more generations through quality sport and physical activity. IN is inclusive, involving and works to inspire young people and those most excluded from basic rights and opportunities around the world. 

More @ www.internationalinspiration.org – Follow us on twitter @INt_Inspiration and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/INtl.INspiration

To get involved, you can donate through either the charities’, or Katherine’s, Just Giving page. Alternatively, contact the International Inspiration Fundraising office for more information:

Sophy Merrick – 020 7211 5297 – sophy.merrick@uksport.gov.uk