The Sunny Streets Of London Were Once Again Awash Today With A Sea Of Kindness & Unity. 40,000 People Of All Levels Of Fitness Racing Together To The Very Best Of Their Ability, In Brightly Coloured Tops & Fancy Dress In Varying Garb, For Those Who Can’t.
They Were Joined By Some Of The Greatest Athletes From Around The World, Who Came To London To Compete Against Their Rivals, In This 37th London Marathon.
The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge & Prince Harry, who kicked off proceedings by pressing the buzzer,
were representing their Charity #HeadsTogether which aims to transform the stigma surrounding mental health. The young Royals have encouraged many, many people to become involved in #HeadsTogether,
and to participate in the marathon, and were involved throughout, by cheering and clapping the athletes,
and handing out medals and trophies to both the winners of the Elite Events, and the everyday heroes,
who were running for their friends, their families and those from their chosen charities whom they have never met.
Great Britain’s David Weir raced spectacularly in the Men’s Wheelchair T53/54 Race, racing tactically, holding back until the last 200 metres, to storm away from the other athletes, triumphing to victory. This win meant that David had surpassed Tanni Grey-Thompson’s six London Marathon victories, and has now become the first person in the history of the race to win seven times!
After the race, David said “I was more relaxed this year. That was the best that i’ve felt in a London Marathon.”
Many Congratulations David…!
Switzerland’s Manuela Schar Won the Women’s Wheelchair race for the first time in 1:39:57. Manuela also won the Boston Marathon earlier this month. Amanda McGrory of the U.S. came second, and Susannah Scaroni came third in 1.47:37
Congratulations Manuela, Amanda and Susannah…!
Mary Keitany (KEN) stormed away at the beginning of the Women’s Elite race, and never looked back. Mary’s pace was phenomenally quick, running three miles in under 5 minutes, (and several other miles close to that). Mary set the pace for the group in the early stages, who were also running extremely quickly. A factor which was noted by Paula Radcliffe, fearing that this may affect some of the runners in the later stages of the race. But nothing was to affect Mary. She continued strongly throughout the race, all the way through to the finish line, in a spectacular time of 02:17:01. Tirunesh Dibaba (ETH) came second, with 02:17:56, and Aselefech Mergia (ETH) came third in 02:23:08.
Congratulations Mary, Tirunesh, and Aselefech…!
The Men’s Elite race started quickly as well, but it became apparent during the race that there was no doubting who the winner would be, with Daniel Wanijru (KEN) storming to victory in 02:05:48. Kenenisa Bekele (ETH) followed behind with a time of 02:05:57, with Bedan Karoki (KEN) coming third in 02:07:41.
Congratulations Daniel, Kenenisa and Bedan…!
Selfless London Marathon runner Matthew Rees helped exhausted David Wyeth up The Mall and over the finish line. David Wyeth whose “legs just crumbled” simply would not give up until he had triumphed…!
They were applauded at the end, when they finished in a very respectable time of two hours, 52 minutes, and 26 seconds. Mr Rees said that helping his fellow competitor was “more important” to him than his race time.
What An Enormously Successful London Marathon This Has Been. The Weather Was Perfect and Allowed The Wonderful Determination, Camaraderie and Triumphant Spirit of All of Those Involved to Succeed With Their Goals of Helping Others.
And Now With The Help of The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge,
and Prince Harry With the #HeadsTogether Charity, More People Can Be Inspired To Overcome Their Mental Disabilities To Lace Up Their Trainers And Reach That Starting Line In The First Place…!
