How does it FEEL to run a marathon? (part one)

As it happens, 2018 has proved to be our best ever London Marathon. Thank you to all the 45 runners, who raised over £70,000 for Crimestoppers. In the hottest-ever London Marathon, the runners took to the London streets, and with sheer determination and endurance gave it their absolute all.

As a two-part special Marathon update, we’ve caught up with some of our Crimestoppers London Marathon runners.  This week, in Part One, we speak to Claire Hammond, Carwyn Evans, and Mark (Wolf) Williams to find out how it was for them.

They candidly spoke to us about their personal highlights, top tips, no-nonsense training advice and thoughts on how it feels to run a marathon.

You've completed the marathon. How was it for you?

Carwyn: Wonderful experience which will hopefully remain with me forever. I ran it within my target time and was able to run the whole way; probably the greatest physical achievement of my life.

Claire Hammond

Claire: It was exactly what I'd expected – AMAZING! The supporters were just unreal, all the way around the course. London looked amazing in the sunshine – what a beautiful city. The running part was trickier, especially in the heat – but I'd already decided to just take it all in and enjoy the occasion, rather than worry about a good finish time.

Mark: I found the marathon a great experience as the crowds were massively supportive. I enjoyed the training for it but a negative for me was the actual run. Not due to distance or anything, just the claustrophobic feel as you are unable to run your own race due to the sheer volume of numbers.

What were the key highlights and challenges?

Carwyn: Support from the crowds – I must have had my name called out of a thousand times (albeit not pronounced the way it was intended in Welsh!). Seeing the sights of London and passing the Crimestoppers cheer point. 

Second, realising from my race stats that I'd overtaken 5,000 other runners, as I had started from the back. The challenge was running in the extreme heat. I was recovering from a broken foot and had a little bit of discomfort from that.

Claire: Tower Bridge, without doubt. What an iconic place to run – it was stunning. Meeting amazing people and reading inspirational messages on people’s tops – brought a few tears to my eyes over the day. 

The biggest challenge was all of the hard training through a very cold winter – at times I really questioned why I was putting myself through it, but now I am so glad I did.

Mark: Challenges were getting through London to the start and trying to get through the crowds en route and during the run. Highlights were the amazing crowds and the ‘can do’ attitude of the runners, some with inspirational stories as to why they were running.

What advice you would give to someone considering running the London Marathon in 2019?

Carwyn and and his wife Debs after the race

Carwyn:
1. Be realistic about your ability and set your pace accordingly.
2. Be prepared to run a bit further than 26.2 miles – I ran almost 26.7 miles.
3. Use energy tablets and drink a flat soft drink at mile 22. (Extra tip: stick your name on your vest so people can call your name!)

Claire:
1. Put the miles in. Training is tough, but plan it well and put the miles in – you’ll enjoy the big day more.
2. Accept that you will have bad training days. I can remember doing a five-mile run only a few weeks ago, and it was so hard I cried!. Four days later I did my fastest long run (20 miles), which felt much easier.
3. Enjoy the day! They say it's the best one to do from a support point of view, and they’re not wrong. Seeing and hearing so many millions of people cheering you along can't fail to put a smile on anyone's face, and help you keep going.

Mark (Wolf) Williams

Mark: Don't get focused on a fast time – go to enjoy the experience.

What would you say was the best part about running for Crimestoppers?

Carwyn: Really wonderful experience – one of the best days of my life. Don't want to do the marathon again because it may spoil the memory. Glad I did it for charity, was very proud to raise £5,000 (between my wife and me) as I have never done anything like that before.

Tremendous support from the Events Team and also working with Wales Regional Manager Ella. The Crimestoppers 2018 Facebook page was also very good. It was nice to meet some of the other runners. The post-race reception was also very welcoming – we had a massage and a chat with CEO Mark Hallas. I also did a lot of work with Crimestoppers in respect of my blog and press release, which I found interesting.

Claire: The Crimestoppers team has been amazing. All of their support and comments have always been positive. Their Facebook page has been invaluable – a real must to join this, as you share lots of very important tips with fellow runners (things you will never find in a book!).

Also, they are really helpful when it comes to fundraising ideas, and not pushy at all (which I have heard about other charities). It has been a pleasure raising funds for Crimestoppers.

Mark: You felt part of a team that was there for support when needed. The Events Team put out lots of support and were very helpful with individual questions, queries and problem-solving.

If you are interested in joining Team Crimestoppers and supporting us in the 2019 London Marathon – get in touch now.

Read How does it FEEL to run the London Marathon (Part Two)