Running the London Marathon for Crimestoppers last Sunday was an amazing experience. My supporters contributed over £1300 for this great charity – for which very many thanks.
Here’s a short photo diary of my day…
6am: Up and about, running shirt ready
6.11am: Check supply of Jelly Babies (one per mile)
7.44am: Arrival in Greenwich Park (“Red Start”)
9.28am: Waiting for the starting gun…
10.50am: One hour in – my immediate companions
12.30pm: Tower Bridge!!
From 3pm: the long homeward stretch and fabulous crowds…
3.46pm: Raining now – but Big Ben in sight!!!
4.07pm: Heading up the Mall, Buckingham Palace behind, in pouring rain to the finish…
4.08pm: Over the finishing line – and competitor’s medal in hand!!!!
And finally – as my Crimestoppers sponsors asked me to run as Batman – proof, on the Official London Marathon photographs site, that I respected their request. :-)
I completed the course in 5 hours 55 minutes (first half in 2:35, second half in 3:20). It was just a fantastic experience (even though I lost three toenails!). The support I received – from sponsors, Twitter supporters and the fabulous London crowd – was just beyond belief. As I was wearing a Batman disguise (along with “Bernard” emblazoned on my shirt), I attracted many shouts of “Come on Batman!”, “dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner dinner – - – BATMAN!” and – most surreal – “Not Now Bernard!” (those with young children are probably more likely to understand the reference).
I’m even tempted – though stiff and aching now – to do it all again next year…
