The London Marathon

A beautiful bright and sunny day for the London Marathon today, in which 30 800 entrants ran in the largest annual fundraising event in the world. This is what makes the London Marathon so unique - one has to apply for a place by ballot or through a charity. Every year Gavin runs for Whizz Kidz, a charity that helps mobilise disabled children, and he manages to raise a significant amount for them.

The crowds supporting the runners are quite amazing - cheering on everyone, especially those who show signs of flagging. The best moment of the day for me was when the sweetest little Scottish lass standing next to me at the '800m to go' sign was shouting to the runners 'Keep going, not long now, you are only just seconds from the end' (when in fact they were closer to 5 minutes from the end). Her dad told me that is what he tells her when they are on a long walk...

Gavin did well - he finished the marathon in 3 hours 13 minutes which is a personal best time for him - not bad for an old guy!! Here he is smiling after the marathon, feeling sore but nothing a few nurofen and a protein shake would not sort out.

Some more photos of the marathon here.