DEAR Editor,

Wow, what can I say! What a day! The TCS London Marathon didn’t disappoint.

The morning finally arrived, I got dressed into my running gear and ate my overnight oats, before three of my friends arrived to keep me company
before heading to the start.

As soon as I stepped outside that hotel, I realised it was actually happening. A city full of excited and nervous runners all making their way to the
starting area.

The weather was perfect, a bit chilly before we started, but
soon warmed up once our legs were moving.

I knew the crowds would be amazing, but honestly it was another level! There wasn’t a single point on the course that wasn’t lined with people
cheering you on, handing out sweets, ice pops, playing music, drums, singing, giving you high fives, you name it, they did it!

I was so pleased I got my name printed on my vest, as just having your name called out from complete strangers willing you on really does give
you a boost.

I also was very lucky to have my own support crew along
the way. I gave some of them inflatable animals to hold up, which helped me spot them from a distance!

My favourite part of the course had to be Tower Bridge.
The atmosphere was electric, the noise just unbelievable, a very emotional part of the course.

My aim of the day was to enjoy it and certainly did
that. I ran round with a smile on my face the entire time. There wasn’t a single moment where I thought ‘I can’t do this anymore’ and I was fortunate
enough to not experience ‘the wall’ that everyone talks about.

I started off slow and steady, I knew it would be very easy to get carried away but I kept my head, let people overtake me and kept fuel in the tank for later on.

The second half of the race felt amazing, and when I knew I had just a parkrun to go (5k) I had enough in the tank to really up the pace and finish on The Mall fast and strong.


I ended up finishing with a time of 04:29:20 and I am so over the moon and am now officially part of the 1% of the world’s population that have completed a marathon!

I'm so grateful to Sue Ryder for this opportunity to take part. 

I have now raised over £10,000 for Sue Ryder — thank you to everyone
who has donated and supported me over the past seven months.
Without you all, this would not have been possible. 

I’m now going to enjoy the buzz for as long as I can- I don’t think I will be taking this medal off!

Kelly Doe, Reading