Belfast last year in 3:11, but did not really do the full training. This year I followed the sub 3hr schedule and felt really confident that I could break 3hrs. I ran 2:51, so can I say a big thank you to Runner’s World for getting me there. One

of it.This was my first marathon and the things I would advise first-timers are: write your name on your shirt - the supporters like it and they really help keep you going; Vaseline really works wonders; only partially unscrew the lids on the Lucozade

would be going halfway round the world later on (or so it would seem). I caught the train from Epsom at 6.45am and suddenly it dawned upon me what the London Marathon is about for a middle-aged first timer. There were others doing the same journey

slower movers.Nigel Lapthorne, 5:57 I haven't done any real form of exercise for the past 14 years, and at the age of 36 I have now completed my first marathon in 5hrs 57. No world record but for someone who has bandy legs, quite an achievement ;-)Q

that Runner's World said that it's better to lose a few minutes than to feel uncomfortable, go and get it out of your mind - that is good advice I didn't follow.Philip Bosworth, 4:21 My first marathon, and I loved every minute. In training I ran as far as 20

beats them all hands down...Carle Green, 3:26As a non-runner before this, and as it was the first event I'd ever entered, I was a little unsure as to what to expect - but WOW, what an amazing day!The atmosphere and crowd were absolutely unbelievable

instead of sitting behind the fence sipping tea)But after I debriefed I found I was fascinated with the whole world of marathons, like how many people do it. How there were 35,000 runners with a single shared desire, how much of a spectacle the whole thing

beautiful day as 17th April, 2005. I felt so proud to be part of the greatest race, in the greatest city in the world. The crowds cheering around Cutty Sark, the first glimpse of Canary Wharf, the grandeur of Tower Bridge, seeing the London Eye along

in the whole wide world.I soaked up the atmosphere and the crowds to the end with a massive smile on my face. The shouts of "come on Higo" from complete strangers was just fantastic. Marathon running is an event where you can do exactly the same as the world

: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