AN ICONIC structure will be towering above thousands of runners at this year’s London Marathon.
A 24ft aluminium Blackpool Tower, built by Pilling runner David Lawrenson, 39, is set to be strapped to his back as he pounds the capital’s streets.
The 31st London Marathon on April 22 will see the replica of Blackpool’s famous landmark stride along the Mall, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf in a record breaking attempt.
Mr Lawrenson, a self-employed builder, said: “This all came about because I ran the London Marathon last year as a centipede with a group of 47 to break a world record.
“That has since been beaten, but I want another record and I’m not the best runner, so thought I would give this a try.
“I like a challenge and it’s all about raising money for Cerebral Palsy charity Scope which is a fantastic cause.
“It would be great to get a world record in London.”
The 17.5kg mammoth fancy dress costume has already been tested out at the Silverstone Half Marathon which Mr Lawrenson completed in three hours and five minutes.
He has raised more than £5,000 in the last three years for his chosen charity, which included climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and last year’s marathon in the capital.
Mr Lawrenson added: “I really feel like a celebrity when I have it on because people want to get their picture taken with me.
“The Tower is an iconic symbol of the North West and I want everyone in the area to get behind me.
“I have been training but I go running on my own because it’s a bit cumbersome and I don’t want to hit any wires!”
The record attempt has been officially approved as a record attempt by Guinness World Records and his family are all supporting him.
Mr Lawrenson’s daughter, Madeline, 14, has been helping her dad with his gruelling training regime.
She added: “I’m really proud of my dad and happy he is raising money for Scope.
“He has got himself out there and has taken on this challenge.
To help Mr Lawrenson raise funds log on to www.virginmoneygiving.com/DavidLawrenson
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