Fighting Stage 4

If you could design one day to show the best of what Britain could be, I challenge you to design something better than the London Marathon.

I’m not just talking about the elites who seem to keep pushing the boundaries of human possibility.

Or even the crazy 60,000 or so runners, who have persuaded themselves not just that running 26.2 miles is somehow a feat they are capable of, but can be done in some form of fancy dress or contraption to make it harder.

Raising over £100 million in the process.

But those people who get up and line the streets, hand out water, sweets, high fives or power up tabs, and cheer on absolute strangers.

Of any race, gender, size, colour, faith or persuasion. Supporting every step of those 26.2 miles without asking why the people in front of them are running, but willing them on every step of the way.

I admit, I got over-excited, didn’t execute my race plan, and had a few out of body moments. But I was carried on by strangers who shouted my name, handed out high fives, and even accepted some sweets from an old colleague 😉

Thank you to everyone who came out, shouted on any runner, and apologies to those I didn’t stop to thank or high five. Sometimes I was in the zone, but from mile 6 or so, I head forward apart from any child who looked like they really wanted a high five.

Thank you also to all who sponsored Prostate Cancer UK and offered support in the build up. It’s not been the build up period I hoped for, but life never goes to plan, and it was gutting not to have Anna Snead by my side but I’ve asked to run with her again next year. Please Prostate Cancer UK, can’t promise I’ll go faster next year, but I’ll remind more people that they could be cured by getting tested earlier than me (44 for the record)…

Next up is a Tough Mudder with the Ogier London team, then a 5km Boulters to Bray swim then up to Glasgow for another Tour de Four. Looking to fit in a triathlon, as I’m still not a runner but “enjoying” my 10ks finally. I don’t think I’m going to get better at selfies I’m afraid. I prefer landscapes, or animals.

https://lnkd.in/er6CDe2N

Thanks everyone, and can we remember this is what London and the UK is about? Embrace everyone, stop trying to firebomb synagogues and spreading hate, welcome all kinds, allow them their beliefs as long as it isn’t hatred of others, cheer them if they’re progressing humanity to a common cause. Even if they’re against you in litigation.

Then we can all succeed.

It’s as simple as taking one step after another.