London Marathon Renews Support at St Mary’s

The London Marathon has renewed its support of the Endurance, Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC) at St Mary’s University College, Twickenham until 2017. The London Marathon has supported endurance out of St Mary’s since 2001 and the partnership was extended in 2008/9 when St Mary’s EPACC was formed to support elite runners, whilst fostering and developing emerging talent. Since its launch, the Centre has worked with numerous athletes, many of who are students or alumni at the University College including double Olympic Gold medallist Mo Farah who trained at St Mary’s for 10 years. Headed up by coaches Craig Winrow and Mick Woods, the Centre is currently home to many elite athletes including Paralympic medallist David Weir, Olympic finalist Andrew Osagie, Commonwealth Bronze medallist Stephanie Twell and British Champion racewalker Alex Wright. London Marathon’s commitment to supporting the Centre will enable athletes to access coaching support, support services and accommodation, all of which are provided on campus. In addition, St Mary’s EPACC offers training for non-elite and emerging athletes with a number of workshops throughout the year offering development opportunities such as the annual London Marathon camp which is held at the Strawberry Hill campus for promising young runners. St Mary’s Director for Sport Andrew Reid-Smith commented, “With the support of the London Marathon St Mary’s provides a world-class endurance environment. The EPACC makes a significant contribution to GB teams and medals won and the development of athletes and coaches at every level of the pathway, and will continue to do so in the lead up to Rio 2016 and beyond.” Chief Executive of The London Marathon, Nick Bitel said “The London Marathon are very proud of our continued association and support of the Endurance Centre at St Mary’s. The London Marathon has supported St Mary’s University College for over 10 years, and holds annual Young Athlete Camps each summer. “We are naturally delighted that a former student of St Mary’s Mo Farah, who also trained there for 10 years, will feature in our elite field at the 2014 Virgin Money London Marathon and David Weir, who also uses St Mary’s, will be a contender in the elite wheelchair field, attempting his seventh victory in this event, highlighting the potential rewards of such a great partnership.” For more information about EPACC, please visit the website.