who witnessed the event, 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

-prepared, having trained for six weeks. I used the Runner’s World emergency schedules which were excellent. But work pressures and a nasty cold cut into this last-minute attempt at training. I feared for my life as I stood at the back of pen nine at Blackheath! I

inspiring.Jackie Bowles, 4:12Like many people, I'd talked about doing the London Marathon for years. I'd spectated, being inspired by all of the runners for having the strength, discipline and motivation to take on this goal. And at last I was really doing

surely have gone to bed on Saturday night pleading: 'Whatever you do, Dad, don't get overtaken by a rhino'."John Brown, 4:50Many thanks to the Runner's World pacer. Sticking with the 11-minute mile group made my first marathon (at 57) a lot easier

Park. Everyone was talking and encouraging one another as if friends due to the one common goal: to run 26.2 miles!!!I shall never forget the camaraderie between runners, the crowd, the noise, the pain, and the ecstasy that came with crossing the finish

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

:33 -->Sunday 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

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

start in Greenwich. This was my second venture into the world of marathon running. My first was in 1996, again in London, and like so many others I said those immortal words 'never again'. But there I was again, with 36,000 others.Biggest surprise