Belle Vue Racers were represented at the London Marathon this year by Leah Evans and Annie Hirsch.  Beautiful weather over the weekend of 22nd and 23rd April set the tone for a great event.  Registration at the Excel on Saturday afternoon managed to get the nerves going a little.  Annie managed to lose her envelope containing her number and timing chip in the crowds for a few minutes – which felt like quite a long time! Unfortunately for the BVRs they had different starting zones, Leah at Blue with all the elites and Royals whilst Annie was at the relatively quiet backwater of Green start. Having been packed onto busy trains full of marathon runners there was a short walk to the starting areas. However all the start zones had enormous toilet queues which did mean there was ample time to strike up new friendships whilst waiting.

It was somewhat of a relief when the time reached 10 a.m – not that we could start running then as there is always a few minutes delay to crossing the start line – but to know that the main marathon had begun and soon we would be running was exciting. London marathon is rightly famous for the support from the crowds – it was very busy along the way which was particularly helpful over the last few miles. Leah and Annie were supported by family and friends and they made sure we saw them among the throngs. It is a great route through London streets which are not often not traffic free but filled with runners and supporters.

Annie and Leah were pleased with their times – 3.56 and 4.01.  At the finish we met up at the Motor Neurone Disease Association (mnda) meeting point where leg massages, cups of tea and nourishing food were all on offer. Leah and Annie were fundraising to support mnda in memory of BVR member Steve Mycio who died of the condition in 2016. Thank you to all BVRs for your support and generous donations.  Hope you are all in the ballot for 2018!

Annie

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