In the end, Mo Farah had no cause for concern from me, as the extreme heat at this year’s London Marathon meant most runners ran a slower overall time, and I was no exception.
The soaring temperatures meant I took a leisurely (!) 5 hours 45 minutes to cross the finish line, but I got round in one piece, and am delighted to have done so. The support from the crowds was amazing – the positive energy being sent our way was infectious; one couldn’t help but be buoyed up by the enthusiastic cheers, chants, signs, posters, live bands, and the cheery, patient race marshals.
Lots of people ran in fancy dress, despite the heat; I saw Paddington Bear, a carrot, 2 rhinos, Yoda, a lady on very tall stilts, Batman and Robin in the Batmobile, 4 bobsleigh riders in their bobsleigh, a bottle of tomato ketchup, 3 apples, a grizzly bear, a camel, a man with a wheel chair strapped to his back, another with an adult sized bicycle strapped to his back, a man running in a homemade tractor costume, and many more besides.
The marathon is a challenging distance, but running is a wonderful sport, as it is such an inclusive one. Even though I came in well over 3 hours after the overall winner Eliud Kipchoge, I love that we both ran in the same race, along with Mo Farah, 2 rhinos, and a multitude of other people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Whether you run a 4 minute mile or a 15 minute mile, you are all covering the same distance of 26.2 miles, and what a privilege it is to have been part of such a wonderful event. I’d like to say a big thank you to the whole Exeter Cathedral School community for all your support, kindness and generosity, it has been hugely appreciated.
Mrs Tamblyn
Reception Class Teacher
