With charity marathon events occurring across the country, one Letchworth local has decided to bring long distance running to the town - making it an annual race.

Over seven years ago, Phil Robertson, 43, created the Flawed Hero Movement a charity formed for an uncanny reason. 

The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024.The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024. (Image: Phil Roberton) When picking up his daughter Molly from school her teacher talked to Phil about something she had discussed during class.

While taking about life and illnesses Molly said: "I won't get cancer, my daddy won't let me,"during a PSHE lesson.

This "powerful" sentence became a wake up call for Phil who knew it was time to "step up" and become an "example" for his children and others across the world.

"We've got to show up better because everyone's observing us. We've got to realize that none of us are perfect, we're not broken, we're only fixing. Everyone has their flaws and that's all good."

Since then, Phil has signed Nike deals, led hundreds in the London Marathon and created his very own Letchworth event. But next year he wants to make it "bigger and better" wanting at least 200 individuals starting the run.

The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024.The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024. (Image: Phil Roberton) He wishes to highlight the "importance of mental health" especially after the loss of one of last year's runners to suicide.

"The Flawed Hero Marathon 2025 is the people’s marathon. Safe, supported, inclusive, and about the individual stories," Phil added.

"I want all these different people that never thought they could or should do a marathon to show they are capable and deserving of finishing.

"We had inspirational people with multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and those going through grief last year, their stories are beautiful."

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The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024.The Flawed Hero Marathon 2024. (Image: Phil Roberton) At midnight on April 27 2025, the 'race' will start at the Broadway cinema, and do 1.6 mile loops. Helping out is the Broadway Hotel & Grill which is open all night for competitors. 

On the final lap, participants finish in front of the fountain on Broadway Gardens which will be shine with purple lighting for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The aim is to raise over £100K, 90% of which will go to Pancreatic Cancer UK, and 10% to the Flawed Hero Movement CIC. 

Letchworth BID and The Heritage Foundation are also supporting the event and will be present on the day.

Phil pledged that everyone who pays the £300 sign up fee will have access to a free gym membership at Energie Fitness Letchworth to aid their training.

He said: "When you're doing a midnight marathon in letchworth with no crowds, you are surrounded with perspective. When it's tough, you find it within you get that internal resilience, you get that self-worth.

"It's going to be amazing."

To find out more and get involved go to: https://fff.football/flawed-hero-marathon