Councillor Chris Furlong completes Manchester Marathon

Councillor Furlong shows off his hard-earned medal following the Manchester Marathon

Councillor Chris Furlong has completed the Manchester Marathon in aid of charity.

The North Middleton councillor completed the 26.2-mile course in five hours 45 minutes and 30 seconds.

Councillor Furlong said: “The first half of the marathon I kept at a good pace, however, the last 10 miles were excruciating but kept on and managed to get over the line. This takes the total training efforts to 325k and 703 swimming pool lengths in last 106 days.”

The run marks the second of three marathons in three countries, to raise as much as possible for the Middleton and Heywood Foodbanks, plus Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s Homelessness Fund. Councillor Furlong completed the Wrexham half marathon in March, and will finish his challenge in the Scottish Highlands with the Edinburgh half marathon in May.

Last year, Councillor Furlong completed the Bolton and Manchester 10k races before taking on the Southport Half Marathon (which he completed in one hour 57 minutes and 22 seconds), raising £1,875 for Heywood Guides Senior Section, Springhill Hospice and the Lighthouse Project.

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112800/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-cheque-to-heywood-guides-senior-section

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112597/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-springhill-hospice-with-cheque-for-£625

• https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/112181/councillor-chris-furlong-presents-lighthouse-project-with-cheque-for-£625

Over the last decade, Councillor Furlong has raised over £100,000 for charities such as Help for Heroes, Sandon House, Parkinson UK, Cancer Research UK, PTA Groups, Macmillan Cancer Care, Christie Hospital and scout groups. 

His fundraising efforts, which have ranged from fairs and coffee mornings to race nights and fashion shows have also helped raise funds for local football teams, community centres, schools and churches.

In 2012, Councillor Furlong won an ‘Above and Beyond’ award at the Bibby Line Group for raising £25,000 in one year. 

To donate, visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/christopher-furlong1