Monday heralds the sixth marathon challenge for RNIB fundraiser
Record-breaking Mark Rogerson aims to be the first person, with sight loss in Europe, to complete the Six World Marathon Majors.
The title is seen as the most prestigious distance running series in the world. Mark, 41, from Merseyside, will be running his final race in Boston on Monday (15 April) alongside his guide runner Katie Garrity. She’s guided him for the last four runs.
Their goal is to raise more than £25,000 for RNIB. Mark started the challenge back in 2018. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought things to a halt which meant he had to take a two-year break after he ran the New York City Marathon in November 2019.
Record-breaking Mark Rogerson and his guide runner Katie Garrity following the successful completion of a previous marathon. Image: Mark Rogerson.
Mark lost his sight in 2013 after discovering he had a detached retina and operations to prevent his other retina from detaching caused him to contract an infection. His remaining sight could not be saved.
The RNIB has supported Mark in a number of ways since his diagnosis which led him to join the charity as a Senior Project Assistant so he could help to support other blind and partially sighted people.
‘It’s been a brilliant experience so far,’ says Mark. ‘I’ve been able to visit places that I probably wouldn’t have seen if I wasn’t doing this. The atmosphere of people joining forces, because we’ve got the same end goal, is a wonderful thing to be part of.’
‘Being able to raise £25,000 organically from everyday people, with no support from corporate sponsors, is a humbling feeling and restores my faith in humanity. It’s for an important cause and I’m thankful for every donation.’
Four time London marathon runner
Mark is no stranger to running and has completed the London Marathon four times, and with every race, his pace has improved.
He teamed up with his guide runner Katie for the Chicago Marathon in 2018 and the pair have been a duo ever since. Katie lives in Chicago.
‘Guide runners don’t get the recognition they deserve. Katie and I are two separate people, with two different lives, and live in two different countries, but we’re achieving the same goal and working just as hard as one another. The marathons bring us together and we’ve achieved something remarkable.’
Mark is thought to be the first person with sight loss in Europe to complete the Six World Marathon Majors.
More than 30,000 people are scheduled to cross the start line of the 128th Boston Marathon on Monday. Image: Shutterstock.
With more than 800 marathons organised every year, there are only six marathons which have the title of a World Marathon Major. An American runner is thought to be the first, making Mark the second in the world, but first in Europe.
‘Mark’s determination and the fortitude he has shown to complete his Six Star journey is incredible,’ says Dawna Stone, CEO of Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM).
‘Our mission is to inspire the world through marathons, and Mark’s story personifies that to the fullest extent.’
‘We are honoured to have Mark become a member of the AbbottWMM Six Star Hall of Fame and we hope his achievement will spur on many more in the community to strive for their goals.’
‘We are incredibly proud of Mark and grateful for the funds he has raised for RNIB so far,’ says Chris Perrin, RNIB’s Head of Supporter Led Fundraising.
‘It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey with many delays due to the pandemic, but he didn’t let that deter him from achieving his goal. We wish Mark and Katie the best of luck for their final run in Boston; let’s go Team RNIB!’
Follow Mark on Instagram: Mark Rogerson (@markyrodge_running) • Instagram photos and videos
