Club Champs #10 - The Marathon - 4th October 2020

On a sunny day in October.... ok let me start this again.

I had been preparing for my marathon attempt for a while after I was fortunate enough to secure a place in the London Marathon 2020, but as we all know this year certainly hasn't gone the way we expected it too. The marathon got postponed and eventually turned into a virtual edition where you could undertake the 26.2 miles wherever you are and in whichever way you'd like.

For me this marathon attempt took on a larger significance, as I was raising money for the Defence Military Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) based in Loughborough, the centre had cared for my brother Alex after he had suffered a life changing stroke in July 2018. The support and therapy he has received has benefitted him so much and we are forever thankful as a family that he was able to receive such amazing care. For me this marathon attempt (and next years!) is a small way that I can say thank you to them. (Some of you may have seen Alex at the Start/Finish, as he made an appearance to show his support!)

With the marathon being a virtual edition this year, EGRC stepped in. Our very own Jack Pitcher created an out & back course up and down the Bristol-Bath cycle track that would not only complete the 26.2 miles with 3 laps of the course but also ensured that the runners would get support and cheering from other members of the club on rather familiar turf.

The weather however, left a little to be desired and it was tough conditions out there on the day. Near Staple Hill tunnel the stream had overflowed due to the last few days rain and was about ankle deep and freezing cold! Many runners likened it to the Keynsham Dandy with the river crossing feeling of that part of the path. But run it we did and there were some incredible efforts on the course with some PB's thrown in despite the weather.

The support was unbelievable from everyone connected to the club, from good wishes on the social group before the race to a great big EGRC branded gazebo manned by our wonderful Club Captain Wendy Gwinneth (apparently from as early as 8am!) situated at the infamous 'Anne's Poo Bin', which doubled as the Start/Finish line. Energy Mix and water was provided for runners and cheering at almost every part of the course by people braving the weather. I was fortunate enough to have my own gang of merry supporters who even made a little finish tape for me as I completed my 26.2 miles.

Thank you to all the wonderful members of EGRC who made this day a lot easier with their amazing support, whether you were a spectator or a runner on the course, everyone had encouragement to shout and it definitely got me over the line. Bring on the next one I think I've caught the marathon bug – whoops!