Start Spreading the News…Ricky’s Running New York New York!
He may not be leaving today, but Ricky Walden wants to start spreading the news that he will take on the New York marathon on November 1.
If all goes well, the world number twenty will be playing in the final of the Masters Qualifier just hours before boarding the plane to the States.
“It is probably not the ideal preparation for my first marathon”, Walden told us when we caught up with him recently at the Q Bar in Chester.
“I played at Wembley last year and loved it, so will be trying my best to get back there. If that means that I have only a few hours in New York before the start then so be it.
“I am aiming to run in under four hours but if I take longer then I can deal with that. Raising money for the charity is the most important thing.
Walden told Global-snooker.com that the Teenage Cancer Trust was his chosen charity to benefit from his marathon efforts that have included running before, during and after his Q Bar practise sessions.
“I run in the mornings, at lunchtime or in the evening but I am building up to running from the club in Chester back home to Bagillt in North Wales, which is about 15 miles”.
In the build up to running a marathon, runners tend to not actually run the full 26 miles until the actual day.
In recent years, Ronnie O’Sullivan has become associated with running, so we asked whether he had influenced Ricky’s decision to take on New York.
“Yes and no. In the early days, he inspired me to get into running as he was a benchmark for any snooker player. Although recently I have found that it really helps me to be more disciplined, which seems to help me on the table.
“I have been to New York once before and really loved it, there is a buzz about it, which also helped me decide on doing the marathon. If it was anywhere else, I might not be so keen.
“Some of my friends think I am mad, but I know when I see the finish line in Central Park it will all have been worth it”.
We are hoping that users of Global-snooker.com will help Ricky to pocket some serious cash for the Teenage Cancer Trust…Click here to make your donation!
Check out Ricky's Route below...
