Runner to dress as Blackpool Tower

Tuesday 10th April 2012

Builder David Lawrenson will dress as the Blackpool Tower as he attempts to break the Guinness World Record for the world's tallest costume to complete a marathon.

The 39-year-old will wear the 24ft costume around the London Marathon course on April 22.

He has already given it test runs at the Gold Challenge, an event at the Olympic Park on April 1, and the Silverstone half marathon.

David, who is running in aid of disability charity Scope, hand-built the replica Blackpool Tower with help from a colleague. It took nearly a week to create.

David said: "It is an amazing sight and I have been overwhelmed by the support from the public.

"I want to raise a record amount this year for Scope. I am looking forward to running the Virgin London Marathon as the iconic Blackpool Tower as it has never been done before."

David got involved with Scope when he climbed Kilimanjaro for them in 2010 with a friend whose son has cerebral palsy. In 2011, David was part of a 47-person team that broke the Guinness World Record for the most number of linked runners to run a marathon.

But he believes this is the most intrepid adventure to date.

Caroline Barnes, from Scope, said: "David's Blackpool Tower is a sight to behold. Running 100 metres in it is a challenge. Running the Virgin London Marathon in it will have to go down as one of the most incredible achievements in the history of the event."

To sponsor David, visit http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidLawrenson.

http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidLawrenson

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