realised I could do it. And once I’d finished, in 5:12, I realised anyone can do it, if they set their mind to it.When I did the Great North Run 18 years ago, I had a curry and a few drinks the night before. And I did it in 1:50. These days, I may be slower

it was a huge mental aspect.What were the highlights?The biggest highlight was finishing the North Island. I was on the approach to Wellington, it was the end of the day and there was an incredible sunset and I got my first glimpse of the South island. I

it was. But six months later the Great North Run was formed, then the Reading Half Marathon, the Robin Hood Marathon – you had loads of other races that were set up as a result of it.But London remains the pinnacle...It’s London’s biggest one-day festival