Dear Friend,

I am now updating the message post my race. Job's done: 4 hours, 8 minutes and 36 seconds represents my best time ever (not difficult in light of the past shameful performances), crossing the line was once again the end of a nightmare but the pride of having taken part and completed the effort is unimaginable. After the race I re-joined my family and Kelly who were anxiously waiting for me while getting a 10-course lunch at the local lebanese, I am sure that was a big effort as well, you could see the strain on their faces. 

Anyway, 24 hours after the race, legs are still aching but slowly recovering. On the plus side, the taste of the first glass of Chardonnay after so many "dry" days seems so much better.

My duty done, there is still time and room for you to show your generosity for the cause. This year I was running for a charity called "Spinal Research". This is the UK's leading charity for the funding of medical research around the world to develop reliable treatments for paralysis caused by a broken back or neck.

This Charity is particularly close to my family's heart through our friendship with Kelly Moss who was injured 5 years ago in a freak car accident in Namibia and now lives in a wheelchair. Thanks to "Spinal Research", paralysis can now be treated and people like Kelly and many others can hope in therapies that might restore movement and feeling lost after their accidents.

So this race was very special to me and I would ask you to contribute, any large or small amount will be appreciated (in doubt, round it up to the highest figure!). The most embarassing and funny pictures of my effort will follow on this website, I would like you to have a smile at them, that would be a nice way to sum-up this fantastic experience.

Thanks for sponsoring me

Enrico