Brady 'overwhelmed' by 'incredible' response to his half marathon challenge against Buchanan

The prospect of getting one over a close friend is all the motivation John Brady needs when he runs his first ever half marathon this weekend.

Brady will run alongside former Cobblers captain David Buchanan, albeit 150 miles apart, at 9am on Saturday as both men take on a half marathon for the first time ever.

The primary aim of the challenge is to raise funds for the NHS and show support for the heroic work of frontline workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

But there's also the small matter of personal pride on the line for the victor of Saturday's race and Brady admits he's eager to beat his close mate.

"It feels like Saturday will be matchday for the first time in a long time so maybe I'll get a few butterflies," he said. "But it's going to be a good race.

"David was a great sport for saying yes straightaway - I thought he might at least umm and ahh about it! But he was up for it straightaway. I think he thinks he can thrash me but we'll see about that.

"We're still going through the finer details as the week progresses but we're thinking that we'll sync with each other by phone call at about 8.58am and we'll have it on Facebook Live.

"By 9am we'll be off. One of my good friends, Darren Collins, who was my assistant at Brackley, will bike with me two metres ahead and I think every 5k we'll go liven and put the time and distance on so we can try and compare it with each other all the way around.

"As a 45-year-old has-been, it would be a great scalp to beat a professional footballer!"

Brady, who has never previously completed a full half marathon distance, has caught the running bug while in lockdown and is keen to do his bit for the NHS.

"I want to try and complete it first and foremost but we're also raising a good amount," he added. "I think we're up to about £700 at the moment and it's all come from just having a laugh and trying to complete a half marathon.

"I've been pretty overwhelmed by the response and it's incredible that so many people have donated. Our goal is about £1,250 so if we can beat that by the end of the week we'll be chuffed, especially as it's just two mates having a laugh at the end of the day."

Brady will run through Farndish, past Santapod Raceway, through Wymington and into Rushden. You can donate by following this link: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BackoftheNetfc-SoccerSchools?utm_term=zXspQcmKW&utm_campaign=shareables&utm_source=twitter.