The run went really well for both of us despite the conditions. There was steady rain around most of the course, and gale-force winds - which wasn't too bad for the built-up bits, but for the last two miles we were running along the sea front with waves crashing over the sea wall onto the course, lashed by head-on winds... luckily at this point there was a bank of speakers blasting out "The Eye of the Tiger" which restored our determination!
By the time we reached the finish line we were properly bedraggled, as you can see from the photo. We both ran all the way, and finished within our target times, with a fairly respectable 1hr 27 for Alex and a not-too-bad 1hr 42 for Pippa.
The atmospehere of the race itself was brilliant, this is our longest and biggest run yet and the variety of runners really reflected this. There were super-elite international stars, but the majority were people of all shapes, sizes and fitnesses running for a cause - a huge range of rainbow charity t-shirts and a few costumes (the inflatable RNLI life-boats probably the most ambitious). There were local bands along the route which added to the atmosphere.
A big thanks to to our loyal spectators - both of our fathers and partners - I think the conditions were probably worse for them! Unfortunately, neither of them managed to actually see us running, probably due to the extreme high speeds that we were achieving.
Also a big thanks to our running partner Sarah (yes, we are brilliant).
More photos here - including quality "sprinting for the line" shots
http://picasaweb.google.com/gawley/GreatSouthRun2007.
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Please sponsor us to complete the Great South Run in aid of Cancer Research UK.
The last time either of us covered any kind of distance through the streets of Southsea was on teenage pubcrawls. This time, it'll be a 10 mile run on a balmy October morning!
Anyway, this is your chance to contribute toward the pain and grimacing that will no doubt be endured. We'll even post a photo of our finish here for you to admire!
Please make a donation now and help us make it to £2,000.
Cancer Research UK is a fantastic organisation that funds work into cancer treatment and prevention, helping families stay together for longer. Pippa's mother died of cancer in 2000 so we are really passionate about what they do.We are very excited to be able to support Cancer Research UK - so please sponsor us now!
Many thanks for your support.
