Flora London Marathon 2004

18th April 2004

Over 32,000 people took to the streets of London to take part in raising millions of pounds for various charities. Hoping to complete the 26.2mile course cheered on by a crowd of over 500,000.

The weather was wet and cold this year, the worst conditions for many years. The Red Arrows had to cancel a fly past because of the low cloud! This did not put off the runners who have been training all year with dedication several times a week.

The main race started at Black Heath at two parts of the park in red and blue areas.

The runners went through Woolwich, Greenwich, via the Cutty Sark, Deptford, Tower Bridge, over the cobbles, then east to Docklands, Canary Wharf, which is the 16-mile mark Then around the Isle of Dogs, to travel West bound towards Tower Bridge, Black friars and past Buckingham Palace for the grand sight of the finishing line in the Mall!

The race was started by, The President of Senegal, Johnny Wilkinson and Sir Roger Bannister. (Who ran a four-minute mile in 1954)

Winners Men’s Race
1st Evan Rutto in 2hrs 06 mins 19 secs.
2nd Sammy Korir in 2hrs 06mins 47 secs
3rd Jaouard Gharib in 2hrs 07 mins.
Rutto and Korir ran a close race neck and neck until they slipped on the wet cobblestones at the tower of London, Rutto cut his knees and Korir hurt his leg but both ran on to a marvellous finish.

Winners Woman’s Race
1st Margaret Okayo in 2hrs 22mins 36 secs
2nd Petrovia in 2hrs 26 mins
3nd Constantino Dida in 2hrs 26mins 52 secs
Paula Radcliff did not take part this year due to injury, but hopes to be fit for the Athens Olympics in July 2004.
Winner of Wheelchair Race
Saul Mendoza in 1 hr 36mins 56 secs.

After following Police motorcyclist on a detour near the Cutty Sark, there were fears that he would be disqualified but luckily this was not the case.

Lymm net’s Webmaster
James Fox (No.14320) ran in aid of Cancer Research UK.
I had a good run despite the weather and had a finishing time of
3 hours 33 minutes
I have raised over £700 for the charity.

Thanks to everyone for their generous donations to such a worthy cause.

I ran alongside several celebrities including Tony Audenshaw, Iain Duncan Smith, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Charlie Brooks, Chris Parker & Lorraine Kelly.

Well done to all who took part! See you at The Great North Run in September 2004 it should be like a walk in the park! Anyone care to join me?

James
Webmaster

You can still sponsor me and view the totals at: http://www.justgiving.com/fox