A pensioner who has been a member of Shipston Rotary club for over 40 years has finished his second ever marathon but admitted that it was not easy. 

Stuart McLean who is a member of Stratford Athletics Club, ran his first marathon last year in Brighton, after having to cancel on the Manchester marathon due to catching covid. 

The 77-year-old managed to get a "good for age" entry to the race after completing the Brighton marathon in just over five hours. 

Mr McLean was able to raise over £700 for rotary club charities upon completing the Brighton marathon and aimed to raise £1,000 this time. 

Cotswold Journal: Mr McLean running the Brighton marathon Mr McLean running the Brighton marathon (Image: Stuart McLean)

Upon completion of the London marathon, Mr McLean has raised over £1,600 for The National Autistic Society. 

Mr McLean said: "I chose to raise money for The National Autistic Society because my grandson has autism and whilst it is not bad at the moment, you never really know in the future and they do a lot of good work supporting people with autism. 

"The race was terrific, there was loads of support, ten deep in places. 

"It was really busy but the crowds were amazing, they were really friendly and chanting my name, telling me to keep on going. 

"In the end I achieved my objective and finished whilst their was still daylight in five hours and 41 minutes.

Despite being plagued with a few health problems, even visiting the chiropractor a few days before, Mr McLean was happy to make it to the end, celebrating with his wife, daughter and grandchildren, who had been spectating. 

Cotswold Journal: COMPLETED: London marathon COMPLETED: London marathon (Image: Stuart McLean)

Mr McLean continued: "It was a bit unusual with there being so many people, I think around 53,000 took part. 

"But it was almost perfect running weather, a bit windy in places but it didn't rain which is always a blessing. 

"After the run we went to a charity event where there was food and I had a massage. 

"As you can imagine, by the time I got back to the hotel I was fairly tired.

"Overall I am very pleased with the whole experience, people are very generous and I think that the charity raised around £400,000.

"As you can see I was still standing at the end and if anybody tells you running a marathon is easy, its not true."

If you would like to donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/stuart-mclean-the-running-rotarian