was my first marathon and my 40th birthday. It was the best birthday I've ever had.Training had been erratic since Christmas, due to colds and knee problems so my goal changed from sub-4:30 to 'run all the way', which I did. I'm delighted with my time

3:00 TO 4:00 (Page 4) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 --MattyH, 3:16:14How to do your first marathon: Do the Flora London Marathon, on its 25th anniversary - the best race in the world. Ten days before the race, buy a new pair of running shoes

the marathon with disabilities or under stressful conditions and made me realise that this is what the London Marathon is all about – it makes a winner out of every runner.This race was a great event for me personally and one that I shall remember forever. Kiwi

that most of the people that took part raised £1000s for various charities. I raised just under £2000 for Whizz-Kidz, which in itself is an achievement!I have to say that of all the sporting events I have attending and participated in, the London Marathon

4:00 TO 5:00 (Page 8) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15Mad Moo, 4:14I was a marathon virgin, a bit old as I am nearly 40. On race day I got up in a mad panic, looked at the alarm clock - past five o'clock and we were late

5 HOURS+ (Page 4) Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 First time Grandpa, 5:35:37My preparation for my first London marathon was far from ideal - only 3 hours sleep due to my stepdaughter Kirsty going into labour with my first grandchild. I had

.Two years ago I was coming to the end of a long spell in hospital following pancreatitis. I watched the marathon and said to myself that I would be able to beat the man in the deep sea diving gear. I didn't see him this year; a womble or three overtook me

and better training. The London Marathon is clearly a wonderful event, essentially a serious race for the elite runners followed up by a charity fun-run. But it wouldn’t be possible to justify closing down central London for a day just to please a few

group of elite men came past on the other side having done 22 miles. They got a huge round of applause from the runners alongside me and it reminded me that I was taking part in the same event as them. Fantastic.Worst moment: my calf muscle starting

did notice was how well the whole event was organised from start to finish. I can see now why it is the best marathon in the world.Beanz52, 6:32:28Best moment? Meeting the forumites at mile 17 – I’m not sure how I'd have got that far without them