have felt desperate seeing the train leave without them. The atmosphere amongst the runners is something unique. The crowds were immense; the only areas with no support were underground! Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge were by far the highlights for me

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

.Dirty Den, 3:27This year I trained hard for the London Marathon, missing just three weeks with a bad ankle injury. I'm 57, and I run with Clowne Road Runners and Worksop Harriers.At 20 miles I was feeling great, enjoying the support and atmosphere

in training. I knew at this stage I would have to slow down in order to finish without the need for a stretcher. So sensibly I did and I kept on running all the way to the finish. Mentally you are up and down all the time, there were 36,000 runners, 500

piggy back a la 'Bernie Clifton' and asked how his training runs had gone in the costume?A final memorable feeling for me was just the unspoken mutual respect you all shared for every other runner. I felt particularly emotional when the 'rhinos' lined up

, either as a runner or a spectator will know why: it is quite simply the greatest running event in the world!RFJ, 3:51The start area was great. I met up with Tea and Toast Man, AlanM and Dunnarunner as planned on the 3:30 forum. That was the best part

/walk strategy was better than shuffling (it was), at 23 miles I thought I was having a heart attack (my HRM suggested otherwise) and at the finish another runner told me I didn't look very well (I wasn't). What have I learned/had confirmed? That however good

training went fairly well, only interrupted by a two-week break due to the nasty 'flu bug in February. I decided to use the sub-3:30 Runner's World schedule to a fashion and it worked well for me. With some more help from my local club, Winchester

Westferry Road.What would I do differently? Get faster. I would like to achieve 4:30What was the key to your success? Support. From the crowds, my family and from Runner’s World, via your website and magazine. Back to main stories index 5 hours

, surrounded by cheers... Worst moment: realising that my legs were going at 13 miles, due to not being able to stock up on carbs. Damn tummy bug! Scary, though...What I've learnt: running without your training partner is hard, but mental strength can get you