Sunday dawned bright and cool and initially seemed like ideal marathon running weather. Certainly it started well for me and although I didn’t leave the house until 8.45 with the start scheduled for 9.45 I reached 14 miles in under an hour and a quarter, the fastest I’ve ever managed on marathon day, courtesy of the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. Perhaps this is the way to set a new PB?
My chosen location in the spectator area between 14 and 21 miles where the course doubles back on itself would enable me to keep tabs on both the front runners and the rest of the field but it didn’t quite work out that way. It’s bad enough trying to identify runners in a crowd of 35,000 coming towards you from one direction without trying to do the same as they go past in the other direction, some 7 mile further on, both at the same time. Needless to say I had to abandon this multi tasking from the outset to concentrate solely on the oncoming masses. And surprisingly enough I managed to see all of my intended targets. First through was Declan Teague with my good friend Greg McClure from North Belfast close behind and everybody’s friend, Michael Jenkins, from Up & Running about 10 minutes later. All remainder oblivious to my shouted encouragement courtesy of an over amplified reggae band which damaged eardrums for miles around – but at least the runners were getting away from it , we had to endure it for over 2 hours before we moved out of earshot to see the runners on their way back to central London and the finish in the Mall.
By this stage Declan was struggling, or so he said, but still managed to hit the finish line in 3.16 – perhaps disappointing given his aim of around 3 hours – but picking up an unfortunate injury a few weeks ago made a significant difference and he can wear his medal with pride. Paul Rogan was the only one whom we managed to attract the attention of on the first pass, after I had disconnected the power to the band’s speakers, but we got them all on the way back, where they had “only” 5 more miles to go. The weather stayed dry and much warmer than forecast, resulting in a more arduous journey than might have been expected, but it suited me fine.
So full credit to everyone of those who finished. Colm Surginor cruised past en route to a splendid 4.12 while Paul Rogan clocked a leisurely 4.29 but was delayed by a Coronation St barman – that’s his story anyway. Is Jack Walker still pulling pints there, he was the last time I watched?
And what a performance by Bernice McCann, running in memory of her Dad, who looked like she could go round again with a smile as broad as the Thames as she tracked the Run/Walk pacer through 21 miles. Great tactics and Well Done to her.
Congratulations also to Murlough’s Jane Rowe, who slipped past unnoticed by me, in Alzheimer’s Society colours, in place of her usual club vest, and clocked around 5 hours on her first attempt at the classic distance. A fitting testimonial to her late Mum.
I have to say that watching is no substitute for taking part but while my adrenaline was willing my flesh was weak. Roll on next year and the arrival of my new leg, recently ordered with a cast iron guarantee from a supplier called L J Silver.
Next Sunday offers much more sedate running in the idyllic surroundings of Downpatrick when runners of all abilities are urged to support the Mainstay DRP Charity 5 Mile Family Run, beginning at 12.00 noon with walkers leaving around 10.30am. All entries taken in Down Leisure Centre on the day.
Joe Quinn
22 April 2012
