What a race!

Many thanks to all of you for your support.

The Comrades Marathon, or "the ultimate human race" as it's billed by the race directors, was an amazing experience. From the South African National Anthem, the Shosholoza, "Chariots of Fire" and the cannon fire at 5:30am in Pietermaritzburg to the emotional finish at the cricket stadium in Durban, the race lived up to all my expectations - and more! The crowd support was tremendous with virtually the entire course lined with spectators who had set themselves up for the day with chairs and barbecues. It was great to have people calling my name as I ran and helped to keep me going to the finish in Durban.

It was undoubtedly the most amazing running event I have ever participated in, yet equally the hardest thing I have ever done. Given the huge amount of training I'd put in, I had anticipated getting to the 60/70km mark without feeling too grim. In reality I made it comfortably to 40km, before experiencing all sorts of unfamiliar pains in my legs. Yet I was determined to get to half way before adopting my run/walk strategy. The final 30km was agonising. Apart from the final 2km into the stadium at Durban none of the course was flat!

However all that was forgotten when I received my medal. I was thrilled with my time of 9 hours and 45 minutes. An awesome race!

And an awesome charity. I saw for myself the fantastic achievements of the Kusasa Project and the difference it is making to children's lives. All the funds raised will go towards the various projects that benefit these children on a daily basis.