Marathon 18: None Other Than The London Marathon.

The big one. The one I've grown up watching. And somehow, it still exceeds every expectation!

London Marathon, ticking of #18 for Middlesex, delivered in every possible way. I’ve spectated a couple of times before, seen the crowds, felt the noise - but being inside it is something else entirely. The scale, the energy, the relentless wall of support from start to finish… it’s impossible to replicate.

This one was special for another reason too. Running it alongside my best mate, Charlie, taking on his first marathon. We set off under bright blue skies (great for the pre-race buzz… less ideal a few miles in) and settled into a strong rhythm early on. Spirits were high, legs felt good, and the day was full of London magic.

Seeing family at mile 9 in Canada Water was a huge lift - Tommy's T-shirt flags, cheers, posters, the lot. Then came Tower Bridge: this was loud, surreal, and pretty unforgettable. The heat started to bite as we pushed east, but the crowds never let up. 

Charlie dug in. The pace gradually eased, but the determination never wavered. Through Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, it became a proper test. He kept moving, stayed positive, and just got it done.

More familiar faces at mile 18 gave us another boost before the final push west along the Embankment, where we saw more friends giving us the spur of energy that was so needed. By then, it was simple: keep moving forward, finish together. 

A standout moment - spotting our supporters with 200 metres to go in the Grandstand (with huge thanks to Tommys for the seats), collecting my daughter Poppy, and crossing the line together. One of those moments that sticks forever.

An incredible day. An unforgettable marathon. One we’ll be talking about for a long time. Immense effort from Charlie, and of course by our supporters navigating the crowds with young kids - no mean feat. Huge thank you to all of you for cheering us along. 

Perhaps we'll enter the ballot for next year... 

Onwards to rural Herefordshire on Sunday 3rd May. Fewer crowds, equal purpose.