From Rachel Carter…
I was offered an EA Club Championship entry into the London Marathon at the end of June based on last year’s Ilkley Half time. A championship place provides a separate start behind the elite men, so calmer (but still a long queue for the toilet) and perhaps with a little of the famous start atmosphere absent!. Train strikes changed travel plans meaning my family could no longer come to support but meant I travelled with Steph who, having won a ballot place, was keen to run a smoother race than she had 3 years ago! I enjoyed the race but found it hard to keep to my planned pace at the start, and thus had to dig deep with burning quads for the last 5 miles. It was also disconcerting that my own timing made it look like the end was nearer than it was (I guess from the extra distance moving back and forth across the course!). Steph ran brilliantly to achieve a well deserved PB and three other Harriers also completed the 26.2 miles!