Keep on running - together

The London Marathon with more than 32,000 finishers is one out of five World Marathon Majors and the largest annual fund raising event in the world. It's estimated that more than 500 million Pounds are gathered by the runners and their supporters. This year, the two winners even finished the race in record time. The fastest runner was Tsegay Kebede from Ethiopia (2:05:19), and best female runner was Russian Lilia Schobuchowa (2:22:00).

I didn't see them passing by as I was too late at my viewing point at the Thames at mile 24. At that point there were quiet a few participants that needed encouragement, some looked quite weary and walked for a short while. The spectators gave them the support they needed by shouting "Come on, Steve!", "Keep on running, Sarah!" or "Good job, Tom!" Many of the runners had their names printed on their T-shirts so that you could encourage them personally. In revenge they often smiled, started running again when they had had a break, or said thank you.

Quite a few people ran for charity and some of them were dressed up, pretty much like last weekend in Brighton. This time I even saw some couples and groups running together: Sherlock Holmes and Watson, two soldiers with rucksacks on their back, even a couple, she in her wedding dress and her husband in his groom suit, both with a sign on their back saying "Just married".

Another group, calling themselves The Caterpillar, aimed to break the world record for the largest group of runners, running a marathon tied together. All in the name of charity. Amongst other goals, they support two new operating theatres at the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Another amazingly brave team were two runners who ran together as a camel. I'm glad I caught them with my lens. Don't know what Linda thought when they later overtook her.