The Maxfields have run New York!!!!! We are very proud to announce that we both successfully completed the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday 5th November 2006. We are very happy with our times: 4.07 for Ian and 4.44 for Karen.

The day itself was absolutely awesome - the atmosphere was amazing and the crowds of spectators unbelievable. The support was brilliant and very uplifting - it was wonderful to be part of it all. We wore our names on our running vests, and consequently had many people shouting their encouragement for us personally the whole way along: "Go Karen!!!!! Good job Ian!!!! Looking good Karen!!!!"). The weather was perfect, a glorious sunny day and clear blue skys (but not too hot) and the scenery was spectacular. The whole day was very emotional and we are immensely proud of our achievement. The last few miles were hard, as expected, but we kept going....we both ran the entire way with no walking whatsoever! Despite very tired legs on Monday and for the next 3 days, we managed to fit in lots of sightseeing and shopping, so we had a fabulous trip overall!!!!

Looking back to April, when we first signed up for the marathon, it feels like ages ago. But the training went pretty good overall and it is very pleasing to know that it has now finally paid off. We have already forgotten the pain and are planning to get back into training as soon as we can and are ready to start planning our next marathon!!!

Thank you so much if you have already sponsored us - your support meant such a lot to us and it was great to know so many people were thinking of us and rooting for us on the day!  If you haven't yet sponsored us, it isn't too late!!! Your support would be really appreciated. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. So please sponsor us now!

Again, thank you so much for your support for our big adventure in New York......now, what can we do next?!?!?!?

Ian and Karen x