No stranger to grueling physical challenges for good causes, Josh Patterson battled through the October wind and rain on Sunday to complete Virgin Money’s virtual London Marathon.
The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, took on a specially-designed route for the endeavor, which also saw him run with a knee injury.
While Storm Alex battered the UK over the first weekend of the month, Josh soldiered on, completing the race as an estimated two inches of rainfall drenched the country.
Completed it: No stranger to grueling physical challenges for good causes, Josh Patterson battled through the October wind and rain on Sunday to complete Virgin Money’s virtual London Marathon
JP told MailOnline: ‘It was a very difficult route, one minute you’re running on a busy street and the next you’re going through a field or up a steep hill.
‘To make matters worse, my knee gave out almost straight away so to overcome that and show the resilience to get to the finish line, I’m really pleased.
‘The weather conditions were awful for running too!’
JP teamed up with water company Buxton for the challenge, which he admitted he loved the sound of immediately.
Success: The former Made In Chelsea star, 30, took on a specially-designed route for the endeavor, which also saw him run with a knee injury
Smashed it: While Storm Alex battered the UK over the first weekend of the month, Josh soldiered on, completing the race as an estimated two inches of rainfall drenched the country
What a difference a month makes: Less than a month ago JP was spotted with his ex Binky Felstead and their daughter India while he was training for the marathon in the hot late-summer sunshine. Binky became engaged to her boyfriend Max Darnton the weekend before. She and JP co-parent India and are on amicable terms
Done: He was set a route by Strava artist, Anthony Hoyte, who has achieved global recognition for his unique art medium, and who meticulously mapped out JP’s track to pass by London’s best-loved sights whilst spelling out the words ‘RISE UP’
He was set a route by Strava artist, Anthony Hoyte, who has achieved global recognition for his unique art medium, and who meticulously mapped out JP’s track to pass by London’s best-loved sights whilst spelling out the words ‘RISE UP’.
‘When Buxton came to me with the challenge I loved it, and credit to Anthony for plotting such a complex route,’ JP told us on completing the run. ‘London Marathon day is always so inspiring. It’s such a shame the proper event couldn’t go ahead this year, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people running in the virtual one.
‘I passed loads of runners on my route, and it’s so important to have positive moments like today and see the spirit and resilience of people when everyone is going through such a challenging time.’
The unique 26.2-mile route spelled out the message on the Strava fitness app in support of Buxton’s ‘Don’t Give Up, Rise Up’ campaign.
‘RISE UP!’ The unique 26.2-mile route spelled out the message on the Strava fitness app in support of Buxton’s ‘Don’t Give Up, Rise Up’ campaign
Team work: JP teamed up with water company Buxton for the challenge, which he admitted he loved the sound of immediately
He said: ‘When Buxton came to me with the challenge I loved it, and credit to Anthony for plotting such a complex route. London Marathon day is always so inspiring. It’s such a shame the proper event couldn’t go ahead this year, but that hasn’t stopped thousands of people running in the virtual one’
JP’s aim was to pound the pavements to celebrate the nation’s spirit, strength and resilience in these difficult times, as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the UK – and the world – with a long hard winter ahead.
The campaign celebrates individuals overcoming their struggles and obstacles, building their resilience to achieve their ambitions, like the journey of Buxton natural mineral water that is naturally forced up through a mile of British rock and finally reaches the surface in the heart of the Peak District.
Earlier this year, JP completed a 24-hour running challenge around his garden patio to raise funds and awareness for mental health charity, CALM.
He is an advocate for supporting those with mental health issues, and even journeyed from the northernmost tip of Scotland to the southernmost corner of England in a wheelchair.
JP, famed for romancing veteran MIC starlet Binky Felstead, with whom he shares daughter India, three – traveled from John-O’-Groats to Land’s End on a 900 mile endeavor.