SEAN Lawlor, who coaches other people to run the marathon, is preparing for his 17th race.

The 45-year-old runs the marathon every year, and five years ago began helping other people to reach the finish line.

This year he has been training five runners. They are Michael Hearn, 44, of Stanway, Dawn Mace, 49, of Boxford, Byron Adams, 43, of West Bergholt, Jasmine Lait, 42, of Boxford, and Ralph Daff, 43, of Great Bromley.

Sean, who works in credit management in the City and lives in Shrub End, said: “Everyone will be in the pub and say they will do it and then forget about it.

But I don’t forget, I just sign them up.

“They feel they can’t do it but they can. They just need a nudge in the right direction.”

Find out which other Colchester runners are taking part in the event by clicking here.