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Scarborough seadog runs London Marathon

Scarborough Athletic fan, Tony Robinson OBE, ran the London Marathon last Sunday. He took four toy seagulls (seadogs) along for the 26.2-mile journey and raised £3,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Robinson at the London marathon with seagulls on his arm and hat.

Robinson has run 24 marathons and half marathons for Macmillan Cancer Support, in memory of his five young friends, since his 62nd birthday ten years ago.

He's famous for his red lobster hat, which features the names of his five friends who died of cancer, aged between 27 and 57. However, on this run, he added seagulls to his costume.

Lyndsey Trainor, manager of The Grind Cafe/Explore Indie Pop-Up Shop on St Thomas Street.
Lyndsey Trainor, manager of The Grind Cafe/Explore Indie Pop-Up Shop on St Thomas Street. Credit: I took and own the picture

Asked why, he said, "The future of our 100% fan-owned club is now in jeopardy because the Council owns our pitch and they cannot commit to it being ready for the 2025/2026 season. The seagulls on my backpack, hat and arms were the stars of the show. A lot of people now know how important our football club is to Scarborough's well-being".

Robinson, before putting on his running costume at the Macmillan Stand in London
Robinson, before putting on his running costume at the Macmillan Stand in London Credit: I own the picture

Tony also thanked all the Scarborough residents and five of the cafes in Scarborough for raising £3,500 towards a new Macmillan Support Centre in York, which will benefit patients and families at Scarborough and York Hospitals.

He particularly praised Lindsey Trainor, pictured, and Tracie Marson of The Grind/Explore Indie, a cafe and pop-up shop on St. Thomas Street, who raised over a third of the massive total.

Robinson's backpack displaying the 5 names of the young friends he runs in memory of.
Robinson's backpack displaying the 5 names of the young friends he runs in memory of. Credit: I own the picture