So that's it. 26.2 miles completed in 4 hours 47 minutes 54 seconds, with all ten toenails intact and the biggest blister I've ever seen in my life. Result.
Thank you thank you thank you to everyone who sponsored me, encouraged me and fed me over the past few months - your support really helped push me through to race day. And the day itself, well! Glorious weather, a tremendous crowd and wonderful, wonderful atmosphere. If you're feeling inspired, the ballot for Marathon 2011 opens on 4 May. Go on. The pain is worth it. Really.
I was running for Refuge, a tremendous charity that provides support and emergency shelters to women and children trying to escape domestic violence. It's not a sexy subject but is still frighteningly widespread - around 1 in 4 women will expericence physical abuse over their lifetimes (Council of Europe, 2006), while children are often physically, as well as emotionally, affected. Refuge runs shelters, a helpline, public awareness campaigns and a whole host of other services to ensure that women have the support they need.
Refuge is accepting donations until the end of June so if you were holding out until I actually finished the blessed thing or fancy doing a top-up, you still have time. Don't forget to click the Gift Aid button if you're a UK taxpayer.
Thanks!
Hyun x
