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NSCCL Cross country race 4
Betley
18th December 2021
Female Results
| Pos | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 | Chris Skellern | F55 | 24:22 |
| 60 | Vanessa Welham | FSen | 24:48 |
| 87 | Caitlin Mills | FSen | 27:09 |
| 104 | Amy Oliver | FSen | 28:36 |
| 105 | Jo Oliver | F50 | 28:41 |
| 106 | Ruth Edwards | F60 | 28:42 |
Male Results
| Pos | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Tom Chell | MSen | 30:05 |
| 91 | Liam Duggan | MSen | 34:22 |
| 115 | Jake Oliver | M20 | 36:31 |
| 117 | Adam Lightfoot | M40 | 36:33 |
| 123 | Ian Hodkinson | M50 | 36:47 |
| 126 | Michael Dobson | M55 | 36:55 |
| 127 | Dan Findlay-Robinson | M40 | 37:03 |
| 131 | Ian Heath | M50 | 37:27 |
| 133 | Al Langford | MSen | 37:34 |
| 141 | Nitesh Thakrar | M60 | 38:19 |
| 157 | Richard Booth | M45 | 40:42 |
| 158 | Antonio Treglia | M40 | 40:52 |
| 170 | David Marsden | M65 | 42:48 |
| 173 | Mark Oliver | M50 | 44:53 |
| 180 | Tom Davall | MSen | 50:56 |
xmas handicap 2021
12th December 2021
Well done to all those ran in the 105th Harriers Handicap Race on Sunday, and congratulations to Jack, Lucas and Justin for finishing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Thanks to all the marshals and time keepers.
| Position | Name | Time | Handicap | Net Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jack Dawson | 0:37:35 | 0:08:45 | 0:28:50 |
| 2 | Lucas Willson | 0:38:05 | 0:13:45 | 0:24:20 |
| 3 | Justin Green | 0:38:20 | 0:13:15 | 0:25:05 |
| 4 | Leon Stringer | 0:38:49 | 0:10:45 | 0:28:04 |
| 5 | Ian Hodkinson | 0:38:59 | 0:11:15 | 0:27:44 |
| 6 | Antonio Treglia | 0:39:06 | 0:10:45 | 0:28:21 |
| 7 | Vanessa Welham | 0:39:07 | 0:09:00 | 0:30:07 |
| 8 | Tony Burbridge | 0:39:14 | 0:13:15 | 0:25:59 |
| 9 | Jack Heath | 0:39:17 | 0:11:15 | 0:28:02 |
| 10 | Nitesh Thakrar | 0:39:41 | 0:10:45 | 0:28:56 |
| 11 | Dan Findlay-Robinson | 0:39:50 | 0:11:00 | 0:28:50 |
| 12 | Richard Booth | 0:40:01 | 0:09:30 | 0:30:31 |
| 13 | Chris Skellern | 0:40:13 | 0:08:15 | 0:31:58 |
| 14 | Marie Larnoire | 0:40:20 | 0:09:30 | 0:30:50 |
| 15 | Mark Willson | 0:41:05 | 0:08:00 | 0:33:05 |
| 16 | Spencer Holland | 0:41:09 | 0:11:15 | 0:29:54 |
| 17 | Jake Oliver | 0:41:20 | 0:12:30 | 0:28:50 |
| 18 | Graham Williams | 0:41:41 | 0:00:00 | 0:41:41 |
| 19 | Ben Green | 0:41:54 | 0:11:15 | 0:30:39 |
| 20 | Reuben Willson | 0:41:55 | 0:08:45 | 0:33:10 |
| 21 | Ruth Edwards | 0:42:21 | 0:06:00 | 0:36:21 |
| 22 | Ian Heath | 0:42:31 | 0:11:45 | 0:30:46 |
| 23 | Jason Littlewood | 0:42:31 | 0:11:45 | 0:30:46 |
| 24 | Amy Oliver | 0:43:31 | 0:03:30 | 0:40:01 |
| 25 | Jo Oliver | 0:43:32 | 0:06:00 | 0:37:32 |
TATTON Park
11 December 2021
| Pos | Name | Time | |
| 2 | Tom Chell | 34:57 | PB |
Weston Park 10K
28 November 2021
Race report by Leon Stringer
I almost didn’t make this, the website managing entries showed the incorrect start time. So I arrived thinking I had half an hour to spare only to find I had a few minutes to collect my number and hurry to the start. There was a 10K and a 5K, both are single laps on a mix of tarmac and grass.
It was a freezing day but crisp and clear with no wind so was quite pleasant once you got going. The estate has some follies and features to look out for, and you cross the tracks of a miniature railway. There are a few climbs and undulating sections but it’s not a hilly course.
272 took part in the 10K.
Harriers:
43rd Leon Stringer 00:45:47 (chip time)
Cheddleton 10K
27th November 2021
Well done for coming 2nd in the event.
| Pos | Name | M/F | AG | AG Pos | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Tom Chell | 2nd | M Sen | 2nd | 36:07 |
| 47 | Peter Chell | 35th | M50-54 | 8th | 48:30 |
| 108 | Dave Marsden | 73rd | M65-69 | 3rd | 55:02 |
Milford 1/2 Trig Training run
27th November 2021
Called off due to weather. Ass this was part of the Harriers Challenge we are working out a substitute race.
Meerbrook 15K
20th November 2021
Part of Harrier Challenge. Well done John for coming 1st in his age group.
| Pos | Bib | Name | M/F | AG | NSRRA | Chip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 46 | Richard Crump | 38th | 18th | 1:06:29 | |
| 92 | 197 | Antonio Treglia | 61st | 16th | C | 1:16:52 |
| 97 | 188 | Nitesh Thakrar | 65th | 2nd | E | 1:17:31 |
| 153 | 48 | Tom Davall | 98th | 33rd | E | 1:36:14 |
| 154 | 66 | John Finney | 99th | 1st | F | 1:36:16 |
flying fox 10
7th November 2021
| Pos | Name | Gender | AG | AG Pos | NSRRA | Chip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Ian Hodkinson | 40th | M50 | 6th | E | 1:14:29 |
| 63 | Nitesh Thakrar | 51st | M60 | 2nd | E | 1:17:59 |
| 92 | Chris Skellern | 25th | F55 | 6th | L | 1:25:11 |
| 115 | Karen Murray | 35th | F55 | 9th | M | 1:32:45 |
| 122 | John Finney | 82nd | M75 | 1st | F | 1:36:45 |
| 133 | Tom Davall | 86th | M Sen | 25th | E | 1:44:49 |
| 137 | Julie Nokes | 51st | F60 | 5th | W | 1:47:28 |
Coventry Half Marathon
31 October 2021
Race Report by Leon Stringer
The last weekend in October means an extra hour in bed, but not if you’ve got a race with an uncivilised 08:30 start. This event was postponed from April 2020. Possibly the weather was nice back then, but on Hallowe’en 2021 it was heavy rain with a cold wind.
The start and finish is in the city centre near the famous cathedral. The route then takes you out into the countryside and through some attractive villages – if you raise your face to the elements to see them! Both the undulating rural lanes and roads near the city centre were susceptible to flooding which wasn’t nice to run through but you were hardly going to get any wetter.
On another day this is probably a great event, but in these conditions it was horrid. Sure, I got a p.b. but that was only because I was trying to keep one step ahead of hypothermia. Despite the filthy weather there was good support around the course, and the volunteers and event staff were energetic and friendly.
Harriers:
Leon Stringer 01:42:15 (chip time) PB
NSCCL Cross Country Race 3
Park Hall
30th October 2021
Part of the Harriers Challenge 2021
Female Results
| Pos | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | Chris Skellern | F55 | 29:35 |
| 78 | Caitlin Mills | FSen | 30:38 |
| 88 | Vanessa Welham | FSen | 31:30 |
| 108 | Kerri Delaney | FSen | 33:05 |
| 112 | Ruth Edwards | F60 | 33:34 |
| 114 | Jo Oliver | F50 | 34:24 |
| 126 | Julie Nokes | F60 | 38:15 |
Male Results
| Pos. | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Tom Chell | MSen | 27:09 |
| 66 | Mark Silvester | MSen | 29:04 |
| 68 | Justin Green | M45 | 29:09 |
| 86 | Christopher Seale | MSen | 30:12 |
| 96 | Liam Duggan | MSen | 30:48 |
| 122 | Adam Lightfoot | M40 | 32:07 |
| 123 | Rhys McDowell | MSen | 32:12 |
| 125 | Michael Dobson | M55 | 32:21 |
| 137 | Jason Littlewood | MSen | 33:09 |
| 149 | Dan Findlay- | M40 | 33:39 |
| 152 | Nitesh Thakrar | M60 | 33:51 |
| 160 | Ian Hodkinson | M50 | 34:37 |
| 170 | Antonio Treglia | M40 | 36:11 |
| 174 | Mark Oliver | M50 | 36:54 |
| 193 | Roy Clay | M65 | 41:54 |
Junior Results
Posted on the Junior’s News page.
cannock chase park run
23rd October 2021
Included as it was part of the Harriers Challenge. For more information please see our web page on the event.
| Position | parkrunner | Gender | Age Group | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Justin GREEN | Male | VM50-54 | 19:13 |
| 7 | Lucas WILLSON | Male | JM15-17 | 19:18 |
| 8 | Liam DUGGAN | Male | VM35-39 | 19:22 |
| 10 | Richard CRUMP | Male | SM30-34 | 19:46 |
| 23 | Ian HODKINSON | Male | VM50-54 | 21:44 |
| 25 | Ben GREEN | Male | JM15-17 | 21:55 |
| 32 | Jason LITTLEWOOD | Male | SM30-34 | 22:29 |
| 34 | Nitesh THAKRAR | Male | VM60-64 | 22:41 |
| 43 | Mazie HARPER | Female | JW11-14 | 23:26 |
| 45 | Richard BOOTH | Male | VM45-49 | 23:33 |
| 85 | Mark WILLSON | Male | VM50-54 | 26:29 |
| 93 | Laura TAYLOR | Female | SW20-24 | 26:49 |
| 108 | John FINNEY | Male | VM75-79 | 27:26 |
| 162 | Julie NOKES | Female | VW60-64 | 30:38 |
| 197 | Lisa GREEN | Female | VW40-44 | 33:37 |
Yorkshire 10-mile
17th October 2021
Race report by Leon Stringer
An early morning drive over the Pennines to York for this 10-mile race. Fortunately, the rain that had poured all morning eased off and stopped for the race itself. The park and ride for race day was at a disused airfield next to an aviation museum, so you drive past a Victor, a Nimrod, and other classic aircraft (I know at least one Harrier who will be interested!). Race HQ is at the University of York’s campus. The start of the race loops into the city walls and past York Minster before heading out into the countryside. There were two moderate climbs (one near the end) but it was a fairly flat course, all on roads.
Harriers:
Leon Stringer 01:15:15 (chip time) 186th out of 1914 runners PB
North Staffs Cross Country League – stafford common
16th October 2021
Female Results
| Pos | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44 | Sarah DiCesere | FSen | 23:34 |
| 54 | Stella Denniss | F45 | 24:09 |
| 75 | Chris Skellern | F55 | 25:51 |
| 81 | Vanessa Welham | FSen | 26:31 |
| 90 | Caitlin Mills | FSen | 27:19 |
| 109 | Kerri Delaney | FSen | 28:37 |
| 111 | Ruth Edwards | F60 | 28:54 |
| 115 | Jo Oliver | F50 | 29:21 |
| 139 | Julie Nokes | F60 | 33:14 |
Male Results
| Pos. | Name | AG | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Phil Hilsdon | M40 | 29:51 |
| 57 | Mark Silvester | MSen | 30:25 |
| 70 | Justin Green | M45 | 31:06 |
| 82 | Jake Oliver | M20 | 32:06 |
| 91 | Christopher Seale | MSen | 32:50 |
| 94 | Michael Dobson | M55 | 32:54 |
| 108 | Dan Findlay-Robinson | M40 | 33:38 |
| 113 | Rhys McDowell | MSen | 34:08 |
| 118 | Jason Littlewood | MSen | 34:23 |
| 119 | Adam Lightfoot | M40 | 34:23 |
| 120 | Ian Hodkinson | M50 | 34:29 |
| 125 | Ian Wood | M50 | 35:00 |
| 131 | Nitesh Thakrar | M60 | 35:25 |
| 133 | Al Langford | MSen | 36:06 |
| 149 | Richard Booth | M45 | 38:11 |
| 159 | Mark Oliver | M50 | 39:53 |
| 160 | Roy Clay | M65 | 40:30 |
Werrington 10K
10th October 2021
Race Report by Julie Nokes
My training this year has been very hit and miss due to an ongoing piriformis injury.
The previous week, having run/walked the virtual London Marathon incorporating Congleton half, my legs were not relishing the thought of the hill at Werrington.
(I had also been diagnosed with a urine infection mid-week and on a course of antibiotics! Not ideal. Too much information I know)
Fellow Harrier Graham Williams offered me a lift which I kindly accepted. On arrival, it was dull and cool but shortly before the start, the sun decided to make an appearance. Do I or don’t I need the sunglasses? Oh, the dilemma! I opted to leave them in the car.
There were very few Harriers competing as the majority seemed to be at the Manchester Marathon.
I am not one of those people who can remember every detail about a course, all I know is that I enjoy this race around the quiet country lanes of Werrington, probably due to the cooler weather, but a hill was etched in my memory. Checking Strava it showed that this was around the 4-5 mile mark.
Graham Williams and I passed each other several times. Graham overtook me yet again when I was walking up ‘that hill’
Afterwards, I remarked to him that he flew up the hill and for the final mile or so to the finish. He made me laugh by replying that there was no flying involved, I’d just got slower! That told me.
Thank you to all the Marshals and for their support and keeping us safe, to Trentham Running club for a well-organised race and of course to Ken, Andy and the team without whom we wouldn’t have these events.
Now Covid restrictions have eased I am loving being back amongst the running community.
Physical Race
| Pos | Name | AG | AG Pos | NSRRA | Chip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 | John Finney | M75-79 | 1st | F | 55:33 |
| 107 | Graham Williams | M75-79 | 2nd | F | 1:03:18 |
| 110 | Julie Nokes | F60-64 | 3rd | W | 1:04:58 |
Virtual Race
| Pos | Name | AG | AG Pos | NSRRA | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Chris Skellern | F55-59 | 3rd | 51:40 |
manchester marathon
10th October 2021
A great Harriers turn out. No PB’s this time however 12 people were taking part in their first marathon.
Photos from Facebook.
| Overall Position | Name | Chiptime | Category | Category Position | Gender | Gender Position | First Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 247 | Tom Chell | 02:53:35 | MSEN | 178 | m | 242 | Yes |
| 1623 | Liam Duggan | 03:22:48 | MSEN | 965 | m | 1522 | Yes |
| 4169 | Richard Crump | 03:51:39 | MSEN | 2181 | m | 3642 | Yes |
| 5149 | Marie Larivoire | 03:59:19 | FSEN | 489 | f | 766 | Yes |
| 5179 | Antonio Treglia | 03:59:31 | MSEN | 2622 | m | 4403 | Yes |
| 6034 | Nitesh Thakrar | 04:08:37 | MV60 | 88 | m | 5003 | Yes |
| 8392 | Ruth Edwards | 04:31:39 | FV60 | 23 | f | 1796 | |
| 9268 | Karen Murray | 04:41:23 | FV55 | 84 | f | 2115 | |
| 9643 | Kerri Delaney | 04:46:03 | FSEN | 1258 | f | 2237 | Yes |
| 10297 | Lindsey Foster | 04:54:22 | FV55 | 105 | f | 2486 | |
| 11322 | Tom Davall | 05:09:09 | MSEN | 4816 | m | 8383 | Yes |
| 11323 | Suzanne Brotherhood | 05:09:11 | FV50 | 279 | f | 2940 | Yes |
| 11494 | Mark Jones | 05:12:36 | MV50 | 797 | m | 8490 | Yes |
| 11495 | Tracy Burrows | 05:12:37 | FV45 | 496 | f | 3005 | Yes |
| 12408 | Sarah Bromley | 05:35:00 | FV45 | 565 | f | 3417 | Yes |
| 12412 | Simon Bromley | 05:35:03 | MV45 | 1201 | m | 8993 |
Race Report by Simon Bromley
One week after London, still on a high (and still feeling it in the legs) I’m travelling up to Manchester for my second Marathon in a week. But this time, I’m not running for myself. The lovely Wife, Mrs B, is running her first ever Marathon.
Unlike London, race numbers were posted out, so we had them in plenty of time ready for the big day, but again, arrival and start times to prevent a mass start.
This event saw more Harriers running. I think there were about 12 Harriers in total, Sue Jones, Suzanne Brotherhood, Tracy Burrows, Nitesh Thakrar to name but a few.
The evening before a big group of Harriers invades Manchester to finish Carb loading at a local Italian restaurant. With a hearty meal and some race day appropriate fluids (a couple of beers and some wine) we head back to our respective hotels for a good night’s sleep, although I’m sure that for some they didn’t sleep as well as they wanted to.
Race day morning. Heading down to breakfast, debating whether a full English is suitable as a pre-race breakfast but watching Mrs B struggling to eat her bowl of cornflakes.
Having decided not to have copious amounts of Bacon, sausage, and Egg. We head out of the hotel to the local Metrolink for the short trip to Old Trafford and get ready for the off. Walking from the metro station there are other runners going past on the course, completing the Manchester Half, being held on the same day. Down past the finish line and over to the bag drop in the athlete’s village and then out of the back gate and taking that walk towards the start line.
Runners planned in various waves all waiting to be called forward for a 5-minute walk towards the start. Held in a starting pen just before the start line, each group in each wave gets lead to the line, the starter holds a pistol in the air and sets us off running.
Mrs B and I set off, keeping a close on the pace to make sure that she doesn’t go off too quick and pay for it later we pass the marker for the first mile. One thing I noticed on my way to the floor was that there are a lot of potholes in the street of Manchester. Fortunately, my fall was not a disaster and rolling like a skilled professional, I was back on my feet, bravely soldiering on. I didn’t even complain about the small (but very painful) cut on my hand.
We push on through the miles. The level of support was well received. Although the crowds were not massive, those that turned out made up for it. Around the course, there were bands playing, DJ’s with music blaring from huge speaker systems which really added to the atmosphere. The run from Manchester towards Altrincham along a dual carriageway was tough. Not many people were out on the course and a road that seemed to go on forever. However, we got there. It was here that we questioned the description of the event where there was the use of the word ‘flat’ It seemed to me that the course in this part was more undulating than flat and in some parts I’m sure there was a Sherpa sat at the side of the road.
Once through Altrincham, however, it was back down the other side of the dual carriageway and making the push back towards Manchester and the last 10 miles to go. Mrs B struggling at this point. Those hills really took it out of her legs. Even though it was becoming harder, once I pointed out that we were into single figures miles, it did give her a new lease of life and gradually she began to realise that all those people who get swept up at the start and went off way to quick, we were slowly catching and passing.
The final 10k was upon us before we knew it. The strategy of counting down the feed stations was close to an end. Only two more to go before the final leg to the home stretch. Getting sick of gels, we started grabbing the jelly sweets being passed out by the crowds and they made a welcome change. The final water station comes into sight and then not far after the mile 25 marker. A smile on her face knowing that she is soon to complete her first marathon helped spur Mrs B onto the final stretch. Heading down the finish straight, dropping back to let Mrs B finish on her own, she definitely earned her medal, and she didn’t swear at me once all the way around.
It was funny though watching her walk through the athlete’s village and she’s still struggling with stairs 2 days later.
Chester Marathon
3rd October 2021
Mark Silvester 3.06.17 (First timer)
John Scott 3.21.14 (PB)
Chris Seale 3.42.20 (First timer)
market drayton 10k
3rd October 2021
| ChipPos | Num | Name | Cat | (Cat/Pos) | ChipTime | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 251 | 2388 | Ian Williams | M50 | (031/091) | 00:48:48 | |
| 267 | 406 | Richard Booth | M45 | (034/096) | 00:49:17 | |
| 569 | 1335 | Vasu Krishnan | M40 | (053/077) | 00:56:56 | |
| 583 | 2117 | Elizabeth Stork | FS | (032/096) | 00:57:40 | PB |
| 1001 | 914 | Dawn Gibbons | F45 | (076/109) | 01:08:44 | |
| 1093 | 958 | Sarah Gray | F60 | (024/026) | 01:13:23 | |
| 1094 | 1825 | Jo Probyn | F45 | (090/109) | 01:13:23 |
congleton Half
3rd October 2021
| Pos | Name | M/F | AG | NSRRA | Chip Time | Gun Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Spencer Holland | 65th | 9th | C | 1:44:39 | 1:44:52 |
| 116 | Antonio Treglia | 87th | 16th | C | 1:50:55 | 1:51:29 |
| 259 | Julie Nokes | 100th | 5th | W | 2:26:40 | 2:27:21 |
| 262 | Nitesh Thakrar | 159th | 11th | E | 2:29:07 | 2:29:48 |
London marathon 2021
3rd October 2021
Well done for Harriers that took part in the London marathon 2021
| Place (Overall) | Place (Gender) | Place (Category) | Name | Runner Number | Category | Half | Finish | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2089 | 1987 | 454 | Phil Hilsdon | 25635 | 40-44 | 01:29:19 | 02:59:50 | |
| 10613 | 8082 | 856 | Justin Green | 6882 | 50-54 | 01:57:08 | 03:52:56 | |
| 14232 | 10456 | 4828 | Jason Littlewood | 21171 | 18-39 | 01:52:00 | 04:07:59 | PB |
| 16415 | 11840 | 1789 | Simon Bromley | 7956 | 45-49 | 02:01:47 | 04:21:27 | |
| 28845 | 10213 | 1107 | Mel Deakin | 4814 | 50-54 | 02:13:38 | 05:20:32 |
Race Report by Simon Bromley
o, cast your mind back to a usual damp February.
I’m sat at my desk at work enjoying one of those rather exciting conference calls that many of us enjoy when my phone lights up with an email notification. Seeing that it’s about the Ballot draw for London, I open the email excitedly to see what training top I’d be sent this year as recompense for not getting drawn from the hat again.
But to my surprise, I see a happy grinning face with the words ”you’re in”, emblazoned across the banner headline. I’m so excited that a little bit of wee came out. After only five years of trying I’m successful in securing a place in my second of the ‘big six’ major marathons.
Thoughts turn to how to build a marathon training plan into an already packed training schedule for the Stafford Ironman……
Shift forward to October. A couple of months after Ironman, heading down to London after being really lazy since July and doing literally no training to get up to Marathon distance, I’m heading to the Marathon Expo to pick up my race number. Different this year thanks to Covid. I have to drop off everything I want at the finish line in my kit bag, prove I don’t have Covid by showing my results from a negative Covid test and then head into the main hall to collect race number.
Race Day. Heading down to my start line at Blackheath, sat on the train surround by other runners all heading in the same direction. The train stops at a station on the way to pick up more people, looking over at the platform to se the faces of so many people and one sticks out immediately, Phil Hilsdon, smiling at me through the window. He jumps on and we both make our way down towards the start pens.
We arrive at the common in Blackheath, surrounded by many others all heading through security (proving once again that we don’t have Covid-19) and make our way over towards the various starting areas. Everyone this year had been given times to arrive at start pens and specific start times. We find another familiar face in the crowd (well, after I rang him to see where he was) Jason Littlewood heads over and the three of us stand around waiting for the call to make our way into the pen. Phil goes first, then Jason and finally me. Stood waiting for the Marshalls to walk us all up to the start line, I noticed that I seemed to be one of very few club vests in the pen. Nearly every runner was wearing a charity vest. This amazing event raises so much money for charities across the UK that it’s easy to forget they all suffered during the pandemic due to some of their biggest fundraising activities being postponed or cancelled.
We are walked up to the start. The marshals move to one side and the claxon sounds and wave 6 starting at 10am is off and running. To be fair, the start is not all that impressive. You head out through a normal suburban part of London, through streets lined with people all cheering each and every person onwards. Things are going well, heading out towards the first of the Iconic landmarks, Cutty Sark. An impressive ship, but nowhere near as impressive as the crowds of people, 8-9 deep all cheering. The sound is deafening but really spurs everyone on giving a real good boost. Moving through the course and heading towards Tower Bridge. Another impressive sight, but not nearly as impressive as the brave BBC crew, stopping people to have a chat just before crossing the bridge.
The Halfway point hits so quick after and there are cheers from many runners as they go past and then know that the countdown to the finish is on.
Onto the Isle of dogs. Some impressive glass buildings that play merry hell with the Garmin and covering of the miles taking us up towards miles 16 and onwards.
Getting towards mile 20 and the lack of training is starting to have an impact. Legs feel heavy and the pace definitely slowed. By mile 22 someone had built a wall just in front of me and for the next 2 miles, getting going was really difficult. It became a bit of a run/walk from then. At mile 24, the crowds seemed to grow again, and the cheers got a bit louder. One foot in front of the other soon became a little quicker and something resembling a shuffling run started again.
Coming along the side of the Thames and rounding the corner past Big Ben was a welcome sight, knowing that there was just over a mile and a half to go to crossing the finish line. Heading towards the Mall, seeing Buckingham Palace gave everyone a boost. We all knew that just around the corner was the greatest sight any marathon runner can see…. The finish.
Having stood and watched on the finish straight in previous years, I thought that there was further to run than there actually was when we got round the final corner, but thankfully it wasn’t. Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling. There were people all around smiling and laughing with each other giving each other a high five, laughing at people in costumes that beat us all.
Heading up the mall to collect my bag knowing that I had just finished this iconic marathon was a little bittersweet. It was an amazing race, so well managed and supported by the people of London that it feels a shame that so many people try year on year and never get to experience this event and it was also a shame that I didn’t put a beer in my kit bag, because I could have murdered one at the finish.
