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BRAVE teacher Rob van der Eyken is in training for his first-ever marathon to raise much-needed funds for children's charities ... despite earlier calamitous attempts at running in races.
Pupils of St Christopher's School showed their support for the popular Head of Year 4 by wearing the outfits of their sporting heroes to school last Thursday during a 500 fils-a-time special Sports Star Mufti Day which raised a staggering BD1,300.
The money will go towards the teacher's chosen good causes, namely cancer charity CLIC Sargent and the RIA Centre, a special education facility for children with communication and learning disorders in Bahrain, which he will be championing during the London Marathon on April 17.
"I've never run a marathon before - in fact I only started running when I did the 2009 Bahrain Marathon Relay," he explained.
Although 'running' is probably stretching the term as Mr van der Eyken was cajoled into joining the school team by his colleagues and was so 'out of puff' during the 3km leg he ended up walking!
"I'd just turned 40 and realised just how unfit I had become so I decided to do something about it," he explained. The battling Brit was soon bitten by the running bug and before he knew it he had entered last year's Seef Mall Half Marathon ... only to come a cropper yet again.
No sooner had he crossed the finishing line than he collapsed in pain from severe leg cramps and was in such a bad way an ambulance had to be called as he went into shock, shaking violently and having difficulty breathing.
"I think I spent longer in the first aid tent and the ambulance than I did running," said Mr van der Eyken, undeterred.
A serious training regime allowed him to finish this year's half marathon event with flying colours and now he regularly runs from his home in Janabiyah to the Saar school campus taking in a regular 10 to 16km each evening and even longer distances at weekends.
"Although I run regularly I have never run anything like 42km before. Therefore, I do have a great feeling of trepidation mixed with a feeling of excitement!"
He recently managed around 37km in a circuit back and forth from his home and school aided by refreshing and energising drinks left at each location.
"I've been advised not to complete the whole distance before the event because you should always keep something in reserve for the big day. I'm confident the crowds and the adrenaline will spur me on to the finishing line!"
Mr van der Eyken, 42, is married to Gillie, assistant head of the infant's school. They have two children, Ben, eight, and Hannah, 14.
He chose CLIC Sargent to support because the charity assisted the family of pupil Persia Honar during her successful cancer treatment back in the UK by providing accommodation. Hannah and Persia are good friends.
He also wanted to help a Bahrain-based good cause and the school has often supported the RIA Centre's activities.
The first London Marathon took place in 1981 and has become the largest annual one-day fundraising event in the world.
To make donations, check out Mr van der Eyken's training blog and watch his video diary visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MrVrunsLondon
