Marathon Drinkers - Running Report

Running Report

The London Marathon (23-Apr-06).

Tim – 4 hours 2 min 54 secs

12,356^th Position

This was my fifth marathon and probably the one I enjoyed most! It rained throughout, which was exactly what I was hoping for, given how muggy the air was. The crowds were fantastic willing us all on every step of the way and cheesy though it sounds, it’s on days like this when you see human nature at its best.

It was especially pleasing as I knew my little sister was running not far behind me and we were both doing this for a great cause. She achieved a fantastic debut time of 5 hours, 19 minutes and for that she is awarded the honoree ‘Guest 26’ moniker! Between us we raised well over £3,500 for the National Hospital Development Foundation (NHDF) and I know our father who is currently fighting a rare form of brain tumour is very proud. I also received personal thanks from a lady who overtook me about half way round… she was recovering from brain surgery!

The very British support along the route sung ‘Vindaloo’, ‘Jerusalem’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ - which was fitting as it was St Georges Day! My sister and I also had our own supporters who had traveled from as far a field as Clapham, Sawbridgeworth and Whittington; we thank them and our partners very much for making the effort. During the 26 miles I ran past 5 MD guests, about 8 MD pubs but only one MD legend (and co-founder). The only sad note is that after 5 years of service, I had to retire my faithful blue running shorts. They have done me proud but the miles had taken their toll and the undercarriage had completely worn away. Oh, I also missed out on a personal best and beating the mythical 4 hour mark… but there’s always next year!

Team Poulton prepare for the big off!