Gary MacAlister, 47, a volunteer with Melksham Parkrun, is preparing to run the London Marathon 2025 in support of FearFree, one of the Mayor of Melksham’s chosen charities this year, with logistical backing from Melksham Town Council.
Gary, who works as a Quality Manager at Steve Vick International in Bradford-on-Avon, has been passionate about running since childhood. His first major race was the Great North Run in 1999, and since then, he has completed marathons and races worldwide, raising over £20,000 for various charities along the way.
Earlier this year, Gary made headlines after breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest half-marathon dressed as a 3D aircraft at the Bristol Half Marathon. That run was in support of the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance – the Mayor’s other nominated charity for 2025.
Now, Gary is taking on the world-famous London Marathon in April to raise funds for FearFree, a charity providing vital support for victims of domestic abuse.
“This is a huge honour for me,” said Gary. “I’ve tried to secure a place in the London Marathon for 16 years without success, so to finally run it – and to do so for such an important local charity – is something I’m incredibly excited about. Charities like FearFree often don’t receive the attention they deserve. Shining a light on their work, and on the people who rely on them, is the least I can do.”
Gary is one of only two runners representing Fear Free in London for the first time ever. They aim to raise £2,500 each, but Gary hopes to surpass that target with the support of the Melksham community.
FearFree said they are delighted to have Gary on board and are looking forward to seeing him cross the finish line in London.
Supporters can donate to Gary’s fundraising campaign