Thank you from Charles who completed the Brighton Marathon

Firstly a huge thank you to you all that have donated, your support has been so much appreciated, be it big or little, it has made a huge difference.

It was my first serious run since 2014 and I thought I was relatively well prepared for the lead up as blisters had repaired themselves and I’d managed to get a couple of long runs in towards the end of my training sessions.

So, arriving at the start I felt quietly confident of a comfortable day out in Brighton.

Illustrations by Charles

The start out through Preston and Withdean Parks then looped us down into the city with wonderful crowds and splendid architecture to help pass  the time.

We were then sent out along the coast road, past Roedean School and on out to Rottingdean before looping back down to the city.  The long uphill coast road brought on savage pangs of cramp which were going to plague me for the rest of the run.

Sadly we took a long detour into the bowls of Brighton.  The suburbs were desperately dull, despite wonderful spectators, family faces here and there the area was not conducive to the realms of enjoyment.

However there was a lot to see, a lot of sea and some wonderful spectators, but my biggest thanks on the day go to the family who turned out in force and for part of the course I enjoyed the company of grandsons Henry and Bertie (4) who ran along with me out to the marina and if not Margot her mum who magically appeared enroute with drinks, gels and bananas.  Not entirely helpful with my pangs of nausea but they did their best.

On occasion, the end seemed miles away but JJ and Bertie joined me again on the last leg toward the finishing line giving me the vital lift needed.  All the way round I was encouraged to finish by your generosity and magical messages, thank you.  We have a way to go but I am confident the van is in sight.

Me resplendent with Brighton Marathon medal and finisher’s shirt with the old van, it seems hard to believe it was 10 years ago that I ran the London Marathon for that one, rest assured I wont be doing it again in 10 years time! 

Again, thank you all for your great support and help you have given Cirdan, some of you over many years, we really are exceedingly grateful to you all.