Wheelchair racer Stuart Bloor completes London Marathon

Stuart Bloor jhaving completed the London Marathon

Wheelchair racer Stuart Bloor completed the London Marathon on Sunday in two hours and six minutes.

This is Stuart’s second fastest marathon at just two minutes slower than his personal best.

Stuart, who lives in Alkrington with his wife, said: “I also managed to get a puncture at 17 miles so had to go nine miles with a flat tyre, so I have to say I'm pleased with my performance. I'd just like to say a big thanks to Burning Tracks Wheelchair Racing, as when he realised that I had a puncture he offered to help me out with a spare tyre. Although I did carry on with the puncture, to offer the help in the middle of the race which would have slowed him down really shows what a great person he is, and I really appreciate it.

“I'd also like to thank Jenny for all the work she has put in with me to get me to where I am, and thank you to everyone at Weir Archer Academy for all the support you have given. It was so nice to see you there and hearing you shout for me out on the roads. Special thanks to Scott Mills and Sue Moran.”

Stuart is determined to break the one hour 50 minute mark before 2017 is out.

He will be turning to the track for a while for the British Wheelchair Racing Association National Championships in Stoke Mandeville, the first track race of the season, which could lead to a funded place on the Great Britain squad and take him to next year’s Commonwealth Games.

He added: “This is the best opportunity to get good times in the UK as it is one of the fastest tracks for wheelchair racers, and the level of competition is very high. Although it is a national event, international racers are invited so everyone tends to be at their best.”

Stuart, who was born with spina bifida, has competed in wheelchair racing since 2011, which has seen him compete for Great Britain (GB) at the Anniversary Games, the Diamond League and internationals in Switzerland and Portugal. He hopes to represent Great Britain at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.

He has won the Chorley 10k and the Wilmslow 10k and set a new record at the Great Bristol Half Marathon last year in 59:51.

Prior to wheelchair racing, Stuart used to be in the GB squad for swimming between 2003 and 2007 until he had his leg amputated in November 2007.