Well done to our London Marathon Runners on Sunday!
Mark won our club place for this year and here is his report:
45th London Marathon – What a scorcher!
My head was buzzing the whole week on hearing news I had a club place for London 2025 back in December.
Training through the dark months was going very well until just a few weeks to go a few niggles surfaced – but nothing that couldn’t be managed and I settled for a realistic time to aim for.
Marathon week wasn’t the best time to pick up a chest infection though & even after a couple of days in bed my Garmin body battery had essentially discharged.
Straight off the train and to the expo on Friday – picking up my bib number – a strangely emotional moment and it was all getting very real.
The eve of the marathon was a shakeout parkrun at Thames Path in Woolwich, my attempt at 1/2 miles jog intervals were a struggle so it was back to bed!
Marathon Day
The best nights sleep I’d had in some time and body battery at 70%, I was feeling remarkably ok.
My strategy for the day was to go out and enjoy it, especially given the past few weeks and also advice from the organisers regarding the conditions.
We met up with Phil & Nicola and walked up to the start areas, the temperature was already starting to creep up. I spotted Glenn in the blue assembly zone and then prepped for my start.
Before I knew it I was off.
After the first mile things “quietened” as we made our way down to the river at Woolwich where runners from the different starts converge.
At 5 miles the crowd numbers are starting to increase, we entered Greenwich, turned the corner and were greeted by hoards of supporters at Cutty Sark where I saw Amanda & Nicola for the first time.
The next 6 miles were a real grind as the temperature soared, Laura came past at this section looking strong. Eventually the 12 mile water station popped up and soon after the next major landmark. As I turned the corner the noise levels went up several notches and Tower Bridge dominated the blue sky ahead. What a moment! A few high fives and then I’m 1/2 way round.
The section into the Isle of Dogs was quieter and a struggle. The corner at the old fire station, an area I know well as a supporter in previous years, couldn’t come soon enough. As the road climbed up to Mudchute I had the welcome surprise of Dovey, Terri & Lorna bearing Jelly Babies.
Inspired and refreshed with less than 10 miles to go.
Canary Wharf next, deafening and possibly an unexpected highlight of the course.
Counting down the miles now, the crowds and noise are unrelenting until the end.
At 21, I met up with Amanda and Nicola again for a final replenish and photo with Laura who was passing again.
The last few miles and I’m now ticking off landmarks instead of miles, wanting to get home safely but with half an eye on the clock.
Blackfriars, London Eye, Embankment, Big Ben then turn into Birdcage Walk.
Under the ‘365 to go’ banner and one final turn at Buckingham Palace into the Mall.
Running royalty, Martin Sellors, waving from the VIP stand in the final straight and then I’m home.
Final time 4:54:33 and part of world record for the largest ever number of finishers in a marathon.
Well Done, Laura, Glenn & Phil & a special shout out to Gill who ran as a guide to a visually impaired runner.
It was a tough but unforgettable day.
But what a medal !
The day after, I’m stiff and sore and thinking why the hell did I enter the ballot again!
Two days after, I”m thinking well there’s a 98% chance I won’t get in !!
Thank you to everyone who came down to support or sent words of encouragement and also a big thank you to the QRC committee and members for giving me this opportunity of a lifetime.
Kind Regards
Mark J XX
