Marathon 33: Rosy's First Marathon at 64, in Suffolk

Suffolk was another standout week for Marathons for Miracles, not least because we were joined by Rosy, who took on her first ever marathon at the age of 64.

The original plan was for Rosy's daughter, Lottie, to run the marathon, with her mum there to support. But there was a very happy change of plan: on marathon day, Lottie was 38 weeks pregnant. She still managed a few kilometres with us in solidarity, but it was Rosy who took up the mantle and set off for her first 26.2 miles.

And what a way to do it.

We headed to Bury St Edmunds, a place that holds a special significance for Lottie. She spent six months there during her medical training, including a rotation in obstetrics at West Suffolk Hospital.

Our route took us through the town and out into the surrounding villages, with the Suffolk countryside looking particularly beautiful at this time of year. The fields were full of golden wheat and barley, the combines were out, and the dry summer had left the landscape looking distinctly yellow.

We started at Morton Hall Health Club, who brilliantly hosted us for the day. A huge thank you to Ella and the team for making us so welcome.

We set off at around 8:30am with a huge crew from the Morton Hall Run Club, with runners joining us for everything from 5K through to the half-marathon. It's always brilliant to start a marathon with a big group around you, and their support made a huge difference.

By now, the heat has almost become part of the challenge.

Earlier in the year, a hot marathon was something we talked about constantly. Now, after a very warm summer, we've almost stopped mentioning it. We start as early as we can and do everything possible to manage it, but there's no getting away from the fact that running a marathon in these temperatures is hard.

The warmth was already making itself felt as we came back through Bury St Edmunds, and it quickly became clear that this wasn't going to be a day for chasing times. It was a day for patience and consistency.

Lottie and the support team were fantastic throughout, meeting us at various points with drinks, snacks, sweets and plenty of encouragement. Rosy was cheered on brilliantly from start to finish, with the team keeping her fuelled, hydrated and, perhaps most importantly, mentally moving forward.

We headed north out of Bury towards the Fornhams and some beautiful surrounding villages, reaching halfway in around 2 hours 30 minutes. The second half brought us back into Bury St Edmunds, where we had the chance to take in more of the town's history.

One of the most prominent features was the Green King Brewery, with both the historic brewery and the newer site featuring along the route. It's a town I've lived relatively close to for much of my life but had never really explored properly.

Keith, a local legend, joined us for the second half and gave us a guided tour of some of the sights, including the beautiful Abbey Gardens.

It's another reminder of what we've discovered throughout this challenge: places that we've driven past, lived near or thought we knew, but which turn out to have so much more to offer when you slow down and explore them on foot!

The back end of the marathon was all about getting Rosy to the finish. There were a few little inclines around town, which we took steadily, and more runners joined us for sections of the final miles. Everyone played their part in keeping her going. And she did just that!

In five and a half hours, she crossed the finish line having completed her first ever marathon at 64.

We had a mum step up for her daughter, and a daughter who couldn't run the whole thing still finding a way to be part of it. The bond between Lottie and Rosy was evident throughout the day, and it made this marathon incredibly special.

A huge well done to Rosy on an amazing first marathon, and a massive thank you to the Suffolk team, the Morton Hall Run Club, Keith, Lottie, Robin and everyone who supported us around the course.

And, most importantly, all the very best to Lottie and Robin as they head into the final weeks before their new arrival.

Onwards!