London Marathon Race Report
London Marathon… the BIG one!
54,281 people started London Marathon on Sunday. There were bananas, helicopters, tower blocks, camels, tractors, beer kegs and mountains (yes mountains) running amongst the ‘normal’ runners, many of whom were in fancy dress. And then there were Thanet Roadrunners. I have no idea why people say us Brits are eccentric!
Over 30 Traccies were there as runners or supporters. Conditions were excellent for runners and supporters alike, but the increased number of runners and supporters alike meant the transport system struggled – really struggled. Runners… you have no idea how far your supporters walked!!!
The overall winner was Kenyan Alexander Mutiso Munyao, in a time of 2.04.01 (the record being 2.01.25).
The first Traccie home was Jack Bradley, (18-39) in a time of 2.36.01 (a new club record). He was placed 453 overall. Jack’s average pace was 5.56 m/miles /3.41 m/km. Just to put that into perspective, that is a staggering 17-minute parkrun pace for 2.5 hours!
In 42 years no Thanet Roadrunner has EVER run a marathon that fast!
Jack summarised the day for us…
“I travelled up to Barnehurst by car, where I happened to spot fellow Traccies Chris, Nikki and Jo. That settled my nerves as we shared the short train ride into Blackheath – joking about the wet and windy training conditions endured this winter, and how that might come in handy for the race.
We were not wrong. Waiting around in the starting pen, it was indeed windy and very cold. I left my final preparations to the last minute, to try and keep warm for as long as possible. After a few minutes of jogging around the start pen (a comical sight I would imagine – as a couple of hundred championship athletes circulate a 100m loop!), I was ready to go.
The start of the race is always a little quicker than you might expect. The crowds and excitement spur you on, with a nice little downhill during miles 2 to 5. I settled in, ‘going with the flow’, and focused on keeping calm and relaxed.
As the race went on, fatigue gradually set in, but I felt in control throughout. I knew from previous experience that the last 4 miles would be critical for me – from there on in, it was a case of managing each mile or km marker as it came. Just keeping on pace for as long as possible, knowing that each step was taking me closer to my goal. Turning onto The Mall was a special feeling. I knew that my hard work had paid off. I pushed towards the line with as much strength as I could muster, and with a smile on my face.
I had done it! I crossed the line in 02:36:01. A new personal best, and a new TRAC club record. So many things led me to this point. But that’s a story for another day…”
Lee Hardie was next home (45-49), placed 173 in his age category. Lee was on for a 2.45 at halfway, finishing with his third fastest marathon in 2.50.13. Its easy for Lee’s time to be overshadowed by Jack’s record-breaking performance. This was still a truly amazing time, and it was great to see Lee was one of the first people to congratulate Jack on his performance. True Traccie spirit!
Chris Brenchley (50-54) had another great run, finishing in 2.58.35, 172 in his age category. This was Chris’s first marathon since Chicago Marathon in 2022, when he achieved a PB in his 50’s. This was his 10th London Marathon and clearly experience counts! His splits were really consistent and results exactly what he aimed for. Chris seems to be like a fine wine and maturing with age!
Andy Jones (55-59) finished in 3.28.08, 331 in his age category and 9519 overall. This was the fastest of the three times he has run London Marathon. This is a cracking time, but just think back 2 weeks to the race report for Andy completing the Crawley A.I.M Charity Challenge. Andy covered 173km (Ramsgate to Reading) in 24 hours, when others were tapering. You’re amazing, if a little crazy Andy!
Jo Holl (55-59) took over 5 minutes off her previous London marathon PB, finishing in 3.39.08 76th in her age category and 12923 overall. Just to put this time in perspective, it would qualify her for a ‘good for age’ entry for an 18-year-old!
Steve Hawkins (18-36) was running in the club ballot place and finished in an impressive 3.51.15, 6362 in his age category and 17192 overall. He took off with the 3.30 pacers. However, by mile 10 the heat and pressure started to make themselves known. Appreciating that London can be a once in a lifetime experience, Steve settled in to enjoy the experience and guarantee a finish, rather than push on and break himself. Fortunately ‘Steve’ seemed to be the most common name of all the male runners on the course, and this can only have helped!
Nikki Boyes (55-59) finished in 3.53.46 with a new London Marathon PB. 196th in her age category and 18117 overall. Nikki said the noise of the supporters was louder than she’s ever experienced, especially around Tower Bridge. Supporters make such a difference!
Mark Baker-Milner (18-39) finished in 4.43.41, 11128 in his age category and 34300 over all. This was his first ever marathon (running for MS UK) and he has raised over £4k for the charity! Mark’s wife was recently diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis, and this is a charity very close to home. We’re delighted you had such a good race Mark!
David Winch (75-79) finished in 4.05.47, 4th in his age category and 22694 overall. To put this time in perspective, the good for age time for this age category is 5.10! So, Dave is over an hour under the good for age time for his age group!!!
Lucy Hallett (18-39) finished in 5.06.12, 7529 in her age category and 40102 overall. Lucy was running for the Anthony Nolan Charity. Lucy ran with her partner Matt Langsmead.
Simon Clayton (55-59) finished in 6.15.26, 1991 in his age category and 50388 overall. This was Simon’s 78th marathon and he ran for the National Autistic Society in his 5th London Marathon. He supported a friend called Angeliana, who was running for the same charity, and he deserves recognition for the support he gives others. Simon, you are a selfless runner and we appreciate all you do for others.
On behalf of all the runners THANK YOU to all the supporters who travelled up to London and endured the Tube mayhem. You made a huge difference. Big Ben, a bit like Reculver Towers never seems to get any closer when you’re on the Embankment, but with the support of so many onlookers you finally get there!
Where do you stand on good for age times for London? Take a look at the good for age times here.
And finally… good luck to Asmaa and Georgia in Boston (Lincolnshire) Marathon on Sunday 28th April.