Man to run marathon after friend died in training

Roger Bolton is running the London Marathon in place of his friend Justin Posner, who died while training

A man whose friend died while training for the London Marathon is taking his place in the event in April.

Roger Bolton from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, made the decision after Justin Posner, 55, was hit by a vehicle while out for a run.

Mr Bolton, 59, said his aim was “honouring Justin and raising as much as I can for his charity”.

Mr Posner’s family said they were “so grateful” to Mr Bolton for taking on “this huge challenge” in his memory.

Mr Bolton worked with Mr Posner as a supplier and described him as "one of the really nice guys of business".

He said Mr Posner was training for his first ever marathon, having previously run half marathons, when he was hit by a vehicle in Watford, where he lived.

Justin Posner, from Watford, was training for his first ever marathon in aid of the National Deaf Children's Society

After the funeral he decided to ask the family if they would like him to run in the capital in Mr Posner’s place, for his friend's chosen charity - the National Deaf Children's Society.

"Once they said yes, I pulled on the trainers and have started to put in the miles," Mr Bolton said.

"Justin’s family showed such strength at the funeral. What I’m going to do is relatively easy."

Mr Bolton has previous experience of the London Marathon, but it is 23 years since he last did the 26.2 mile course.

"There was a realisation of ‘my God, I’ve got to start running again’," he said.

"Things were wobbling and aching at first. I managed to get a few of the cobwebs out and now I’m on a particular programme and things are feeling a bit better."

He said stepping in "felt the right thing to do" and was "the sort of thing Justin would naturally do himself. He was the sort of guy who did a lot for people".

Mr Posner’s daughter Tia said her father "would have been proud to have made such a determined and wonderful friend through his years in the business world".

"Go and get them Roger, Justin will help you over the finish line," she said.

This year's London Marathon takes place on Sunday 21 April.