Fed member gears up for another long-distance event in Edinburgh

24 May 2024

Malcolm Innes, an acting inspector at Suffolk Constabulary, has already taken on the London Marathon twice, the Manchester Marathon and various half marathons, as well as having the upcoming Seville Marathon and Lanzarote Half Marathon in his sights.

Before his efforts go continental, he is ready to tackle the Scottish capital and arrive at the start line in top condition after coming through the other side of his tried and trusted training plan.

He said: “I used to do running long bore I got involved with marathons, and I have always had roles within the Police that have demanded good levels of fitness,” Malcolm said. “I first ran the London Marathon in 2011 and again in 2022, and my appetite has continued to grow with guidance and advice.”

Acting Inspector, Malcolm Innes.

From its outset 12 weeks before race day, Malcolm’s gruelling training plan sees him put in hard mile after hard mile, in a strategy originating from former colleague and qualified running coach Chief Superintendent Stuart Weaver.

He added: “The plan has not let me down and has been a big part of me having the confidence to go for the next one [marathon]. It’s fair to say time has proven Stuart knew what he was talking about.”

All of Malcolm’s previous long-distance events have seen him run in official sponsorship of Action For ME, the UK’s leading charity for people living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.

His wife, Kerri, was diagnosed with ME 21 years ago, and Malcolm says his continued efforts are part of an ongoing battle to move past the inaccurate stigma of the illness.

“Some people do not understand ME and dismiss it as laziness, but it is a real illness that is invisible and can affect everything from family life to work life.

“I know there are many other officers in the Force who have been impacted by it.”

This weekend’s marathon represents a departure from the 51-year-old’s usual means of endorsement, however, in the sense that he will not run for Action For ME through a designated charity entry, but rather in their name unofficially. This means no fundraiser has been put forward by Malcolm, who is much more intent on generating awareness than financial pledges this time around.

The experienced cop, who will start his 28th year in Suffolk Constabulary next month, explained this decision: “This is my sixth marathon-distance event. You can’t keep asking the same people for their money. As long as I’m still getting the name of Action For ME out there, and the incredible work they do, that’s good enough for me.

Support doesn’t have to come in the form of donations, and I’ve definitely seen that to be true as of late.”

Malcolm will be accompanied by Kerri on the trip up to Edinburgh, where a day of discipline and focus will be followed by a break of rest and relaxation in a week of annual leave for the inspector.

“I know Kerri will be cheering me on, who I’m always so honoured and proud to support in this way. Knowing we’ve got that nice break afterwards will help push me through the tough parts, too.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ll be back running in that week though. I wouldn’t have been able to do the events I’ve done by switching it off and on just when I need to.

“I’ll keep going until my body tells me to give up – especially when there’s such a good cause to keep fighting for.”

READ MORE: Suffolk Special Constable nominated for Bravery Award.