Well, I didn't get my silver medal but I got the next best thing - a silver/bronze Bill Rowan medal for finishing in a time of 8 hrs 25 minutes 31 seconds recording 1,463rd place out of 12,003 runners.

It was a brilliant race, from the Zulu praise song at the start to the endless support along the way from literally thousands of supporters with their braai's and plenty of encouragement - Pamela and Emma were also able to stop and cheer me on at just the right moments.

But it is a tough race. Beautiful as the sun rises early on, followed by tortuous hills that only get bigger the further you run. The race started at almost freezing point(perfect!) and finished in what some people claim where tempertaures of 29 degrees C.

But I did it! so thank you to everyone who supported me - next time I'm hoping to do the 'up' run.............you knew there would be a next time!

With many, many thanks,

Paul.