Derbyshire pacemaker runner aims to set marathon record

Dr David Black has had two heart attacks since having his pacemaker fitted

A Derbyshire man hopes to set the first record for running the London Marathon with a heart pacemaker fitted.

Dr David Black, 61, said he had been called both "inspirational" and "stupid" but said "you put the challenge in front of you".

These include having the pacemaker fitted in 2019, two heart attacks last year, planned heart surgery and having "never really enjoyed" marathons.

He is running to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Dr Black admits the risks of running the 26 mile course will be "at the back of my mind"

Dr Black, from Turnditch in Derbyshire, is familiar with the impact of injury on sport, saying he treated footballer David Beckham when he broke his metatarsal bone in 2002.

But his own health issues have now come to the fore.

He said: "Last August I had my first heart attack and spent a week in the Royal Derby Hospital, had a stent fitted, but then had another heart attack in October.

"It's not been the ideal preparation for running a marathon."

'Positive mindset'

He has confirmed with Guinness World Records that he would be the first runner with a pacemaker to officially complete the event.

To set this record, Dr Black had to declare his record attempt in advance, which he hopes Guinness will confirm after the run.

Due to his condition Dr Black is due to have open heart surgery, and while a date has not yet been confirmed for his operation, it is not putting him off running.

"I've had comments that I'm inspirational, stupid, selfish and all those things, so it is slightly sitting at the back of my mind.

"But anyone who has run anything knows that you put the challenge in front of you and see what happens. I'm going into it with a positive mindset.

"Marathons were never my speciality. To be honest I never really enjoyed them, but I'm hoping I can enjoy this one," he said.