A boss from Leamington whose company masterminds the smooth running of the logistical support for the London Marathon is ready to experience the event at the sharp end again this year - by running the 26.2 miles himself.
Tim Robb, Divisional Director at Warwickshire-based express delivery giant TNT, ran his first London marathon last year and has just completed a gruelling training regime that he hopes will see him successfully negotiate the route around the capital and carry him over the finish line again.
He said: "My colleagues usually have their own personal 90-minute 'marathon' every year in London - ensuring that one million drinks and 600 tables and the 30 water stations are set up before the race even starts.
"Last year was my first year as I felt it was about time to see if running the event was actually harder than organising the logistics of it - and it was! But I've trained hard again and I'm ready for it. It was very odd last year to see all my TNT colleagues dashing around as I negotiated the course - I just hope I won't be tempted to jump the barriers and help them out myself!"
Tim's TNT colleague, Dave Cox, General Manager, TNT Special Projects, ensures the precision-like TNT operation - now into its 21st year - goes without a hitch on Sunday.
The TNT team will be:
- Co-ordinating a 40-strong fleet of TNT articulated lorries bringing 750,000 bottles of Vittel water and 250,000 Lucozade isotonic drinks pouches to London the day before the Marathon
- Delivering 3,450 rubbish bags, 200 signs, 37,500 foil blankets and 100 first aid kits
- Operating a vast convoy of more than three-dozen 40ft long trailers that act as giant mobile cloakrooms for the safekeeping of the runners' personal belongings
- Ensuring that after the race has been run, the same TNT lorries play a crucial role in the post-event tidy up
- Providing each and every entrant with a much vaunted "goody bag" - that means Sameday staff picking and packing more than 500,000 snacks, pieces of fruit, t-shirts and other treats
Tim will be running on behalf of TNT's nominated charity, Wooden Spoon, and hopes to raise more than £1,600 for disadvantaged children in the UK.
He hopes to complete the course in around four-and-a-quarter-hours.