Whenever you watch a major sporting event, especially one like the London Marathon, it renews all faith and hope in humanity. This year, I knew quite a few people running last Sunday, so although I personally hadn’t trained for months on end out in the cold and didn’t have to experience the nerves and anxiety before the start, it still felt like I was taking part. I do speak from some experience though, as I did run the marathon many years ago. Lots of the emotions I felt then came flooding back, especially now, as technology has advanced so much since I took part, I could keep track of my friends to see where they were on the course. Thinking back, I remember the amazing support from the crowds, eating a few jelly babies to keep me going and at 22 miles had to give myself a good talking to that I could get to the end. Thankfully, all my friends did finish, and I was incredibly happy and proud of them.

The one thing that really moves me is knowing there are so causes and charities people are running for and how much money is raised in total on the day. This surely must get many through the gruelling 26.2 miles they have to complete to get their coveted medal at the finish line.

Now it’s all over, I’ve already had some friends ask me if I want to sign up for next year and others suggesting we start running to get fit. This week I popped into the gym and decided to have a go on the treadmill, a piece of equipment I have avoided lately. I must admit it wasn’t an easy session and I thought there was no way on earth I could run a marathon now. But I guess that’s what most people say when they sign up. I congratulate all those who took part and my thoughts and prayers go out to Matt Campbell and his family.