South London postman raises nearly £3k running London Marathon in uniform

Postal October 3 2022

‘The mailbag was so heavy but I still completed the course,’ he says after gruelling afternoon…

Blackheath Delivery Office postman Iain Love proudly waved his CWU flag as he crossed the finishing line of the 26-mile route through the capital yesterday, and praised the “fantastic support” of colleagues, friends and customers for their donations to mental health charity MIND.

Speaking to CWU News this morning, Iain said: “When I entered the race, I was aiming to raise £1,000 for the charity. But thanks to the generosity of so many people, the total, as of today, is currently £2,940 – with more donations still coming in. I’m so grateful to them all for their support, my fellow workers at the office and members of the public who’ve donated at the enquries office and residents on my round as well. Thanks so much to all of them.”

A keen middle and long-distance runner, Iain has run several marathons before – and longer distances too – but this was the first time that he has run in any kind of costume. He chose to compete this time in full Royal Mail delivery uniform, carrying an 11lb (5kg) mailbag.

The reason for the specific weight requirement, Iain explains, “is because there’s an official Guinness Record for running a marathon in this uniform, the record was set by a postman from Bromley several years ago who did it in three hours and 45 minutes and, as well as trying to raise cash for and awareness of MIND and the fantastic work they do, I was also aiming to break that record too.

“Unfortunately, I didn’t get the record – I finished 13 minutes above that time – that bag was so heavy and it seemed to get heavier with every step. And when the weather started to warm up a bit I got seriously overheated. But never mind, the main thing was trying to help a really good cause and one that’s very dear to my heart.

“I had my CWU flag with me and I was proud to wave it as I finally crossed the finishing line,” he said.

Iain chose to run on behalf MIND in recognition of the help that he received from a friend who is a MIND mentor during an extremely difficult personal time for him last year. He wants to try to help the charity in its work and also to further break down any remaining stigma associated with mental health issues.

“This is a fantastic charity and I’m so grateful to those who have donated so far – if anyone reading this would like to make a donation, please visit my justgiving page.

“Any and all donations are much appreciated.”