AN ALLOA woman hopes to be marathon-ready in just nine weeks to help raise money for Diabetes UK.

Vicky Brown is no stranger to running, having taken on the Alloa Half Marathon four times and the London Marathon 2016 in aid of the charity.

She laced up her trainers to kick-start a fundraising campaign in memory of her friend Chanel Alexander, who passed away in 2012 due to complications with type 1 diabetes.

Now – after a few late vacancies – she is ready to hit the ground running once more by taking on the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 25.

She said: "Entering Berlin really has been last minute. I haven't done much running at all since completing London in April – a few miles if that. 

"Some spaces become available running for Diabetes UK, due to entrants having injuries, etc. 

"The group of London runners, myself included, are all in a closed forum on social media and this was advertised to all on this.

"When I first seen the advertisement in the forum I thought to myself there is no way training in such a short space of time and completing 26.2 miles is achievable, and as per usual I then thought this would be a great challenge and such an achievement if I actually managed my second marathon within five months of one and other. 

"So before I knew it the application was in and successful. I do recall after running London Marathon I did say the words 'I'm in retirement now', it seems that was untrue.

"I am extremely excited. The Berlin route is one of the best marathon routes for a personal best time. I am also looking forward to visiting Berlin's famous landmarks and attractions whilst I'm over in Germany."

Vicky has a training plan in place to see her through to race day – which includes sprints, short runs and longer ones – and is incredibly motivated in her challenge.

The 30-year-old, who works full-time with MG Construction and part-time at Tullibody Inn, has plenty driving her forward to meet her challenge.

She said: "The crowds are great motivation, and my friend who sadly passed away (Chanel Alexander) has always been my inspiration to keep going when I find it difficult to keep running. 

"I am also meeting up with two other Diabetes UK runners I had the pleasure of meeting the day of London Marathon, so we are going to motivate one another throughout the course. It's humbling to know we are all doing the run for the same reason we have become a 'Diabetes UK family'.

"Diabetes UK really are an exceptional charity; through fundraising for the charity funds go towards medical research. DUK also arrange activities and care events to be set up as informative and educational for families dealing with children diagnosed or adults living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in relaxed environments.

"Diabetes UK organise local support groups which educate people living with the condition on how to live healthy and manage their diabetes, they also provide telephone advise service for anyone that requires information on type 1/2 management."

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