that other first timers will go through this fiercest of initiations to be reborn into the realm of the 'yes I have done a marathon'. They will achieve the unknowable, the undoable and the unthinkable. And then they will understand why.Milk, 4:32 I

) a tip of the pint glass!...” Read the full quote1827--An amazing day, even though I'm a bit disappointed with my time. As a first-timer perhaps I shouldn't have been worried about it but my worst moment was when I realised there was no way I could do

to breathe ... ... but I did it and I actually met up with my mate for a very slow last three miles. The crowds were fantastic.Never again ... well probably next year! This race will not beat me!Sarah Carroll, 4:32 --I was a first-timer in the 2005

:40:24 What a wonderful experience. As a first-timer it surpassed all my expectations. People had told me it would be more like a carnival and to enjoy the moment, and for the most part I did. The sheer number of runners and the level of support was awesome

was just being there in Greenwich Park on Sunday morning knowing that this was it, along with thousands of other runners like me, first timers, seasoned runners, the lot. I felt so privileged to be part of the 25th London Marathon.My worst moment

, time to celebrate. Jenny G, 6:38 As a first-timer I had no idea really what to expect, and boy did I learn a lot during those six hours! About myself, about the kindness of others and about what anyone can achieve which I never ever thought

. The promised rain never came, the sun shone to keep the spirits up, but thankfully it never got too hot. It was ideal for me, a first timer, and my supporters. They saw me at the start, then at six, 19, and 25 miles; I found them each time because they were

, as a second-time entrant I tried, probably unsuccessfully, to calm the nerves of a few first timers.When the official 'off' eventually came we started to shuffle forward at a very slow walk... nearly 10 minutes passed before we reached the start line