London marathon runners in Harborough: Harry completes his 15th marathon

Harry Brown completes the final part of the marathon wearing a pair of red shoes in memory of Claire Squires.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Harry Brown completes the final part of the marathon wearing a pair of red shoes in memory of Claire Squires. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

An all-action Market Harborough businessman has ran this year’s virtual London Marathon to boost a talismanic local charity.

Harry Brown, 43, who owns Browns hair salon on the town’s High Street, notched up his 15th 26.2-miler in fine style as he conquered a tough hilly course on the Northamptonshire-Leicestershire border on Sunday October 4.

“I started from Braybrooke, where I live, and set out towards Arthingworth, Kelmarsh and Clipston.

Harry Brown completes the final part of the marathon wearing a pair of red shoes in memory of Claire Squires with daughter Poppy Brown.
PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER — Harry Brown completes the final part of the marathon wearing a pair of red shoes in memory of Claire Squires with daughter Poppy Brown. PICTURE: ANDREW CARPENTER

“I then struck out for Sibbertoft, Theddingworth, Laughton and Lubenham before running into Market Harborough and finishing in Great Bowden,” said superfit Harry.

“I had to run up and down a fair few hills out in the country but I like a hard challenge.

“I’d also ran the entire course the week before when I got lost and actually notched up about 28 miles!”

The dedicated multiple marathon warrior stopped the clock at 4 hours 18 minutes as he raises about £2,000 for the Squires Effect, the charity set up to remember and honour much-loved Claire Squires.

“I ran the last 100 metres in red stilettos with my daughter Poppy, 14, in honour of Claire as she loved high heels and her favourite colour was red,” said Harry.

“I ran my first marathon in 2013 with a group of Claire’s friends in her memory and I’ve been supporting her charity ever since.”

Hairdresser Claire, of North Kilworth, was running for the Samaritans when she tragically collapsed and died less than a mile from the finishing line of the London Marathon on April 22, 2012.

The money that Harry raises this time around will help to support two in-demand local foodbanks as well as helping to power a special Christmas Gift campaign for people in need.

“I’ve raised over £200,000 for different local charities in the Market Harborough area over the last 20 years.

“And there’s a lot more to come yet,” vowed Harry, who also has two step-daughters, Eliza and Phoebe.

If you would like to help Harry generate even more cash for brilliant local causes, you can visit his online fundraising page here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=MarketHarboroughMarathon&isTeam=true