I decided 2025 would be the year to complete my second marathon after my first experience running the London Marathon in 2000 for the National Meningitis Trust after some university friends passed away from this dreadful disease. Not only was it to be a quarter of a century later, but 2024 had been a terrible year after losing a close work colleague to a progressive neurological disorder, so I also ran this event in his memory. 

My boss recommended this marathon having heard about the importance of recreating the Original Marathon that set the 26.2 mile distance. The promise of a replica 1908 medal and Diploma of Merit helped too! 

Apart from taking part in the UK’s inaugural Ekiden in 2024, running along the Thames path, I didn’t start my marathon training until January this year, so only had 6-7 weeks to train - probably not the recommended amount of preparation!  My children helped encourage me to get outside during the cold wet winter and are becoming keen runners too! 

On the day, there was a great atmosphere waiting for the start, watching the Changing of the Guard outside Windsor Castle. The sun was shining and we passed through some lovely parks and interesting landmarks all the way to White City. It was nice chatting to fellow runners and learning about their inspiring stories. 

With fewer than 200 runners this was a very different experience from running with tens of thousands of runners in the London Marathon and had a more intimate atmosphere. It was great to have so many members of the public stop in their tracks and show their support. 

My favourite part of the day was getting to the finishing line! My four year son old ran over to me and finished the race with me, with big smiles all around and cheers from the rest of the family. The hardest part was leaving the water and snack stations behind. Oh yes and passing the ‘18.5 miles to go’ marker feeling that I had already gone halfway by that point! 

It was an honour to run for Aspire, the official charity for the event, when I received a charity space.  As a GP (and childhood Superman fan!), I have always been interested in the work done by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to advance research and treatment for Spinal Cord Injury. It is great to see the support provided by Aspire to patients affected by this life changing injury to increase their independence. 

Thank you to everyone for sponsoring me, I have raised nearly £600…so far!

I definitely feel like I got another marathon out of my system, but would I do another one? Never say never!

Sponsor James

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