After months of training, dozens of Powys residents took to the streets of the capital and joined a record number of people in the world-famous London Marathon on Sunday (April 21).
More than 50,000 people, including celebrities, ran the iconic 26.2-mile course on its 44th year through the capital on what was a dry and bright day, which saw highs of 12C.
It was 21-year-old Ben Marston’s first ever marathon and raised £3,000 for the disability equality charity Scope in the process. The Middletown man completed the route in a time of three hours and 40 minutes.
He said: “I’d always wanted to run a marathon and I thought I might as well go for the biggest as my first.
“I was training for about six months, running longer distances each weekend. The training was almost the hardest part of the journey, finding the motivation to keep going week after week.
“I got a lot of motivation from friends and family, even running with my football team on a few occasions. The donations for the cause also acted as an extra form of support from people believing I could do it.
“The marathon itself was unbelievable, with an incredible atmosphere. During training I focussed only on running but I couldn’t help but soak up the high energy levels from people cheering you on.
“The last two miles definitely seemed a lot longer than all the ones before them but knowing that finish line was coming close and knowing what my time was expected to be made it feel like I was counting down to it, so that was a good motivator.
“It was amazing to cross that line. I remember reading that only one per cent of people in the world have run a marathon, so to be in that one per cent is an extraordinary feeling.”
Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School teacher Liam Gregory was back again for his second London Marathon after completing last year's event for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.
The 34-year-old from Newtown, who ran for the Alzheimer’s Society, said he's planning to hang up his trainers this time after shedding almost 20 minutes with a time of five hours and 47 minutes.
“It was a great feeling to cross the finish line for a second time this year - especially because I'd managed to beat last year’s time,” he said.
“The whole weekend is fantastic, from the moment you get into London the day before, there's a real buzz around the city, watching the volunteers getting the course ready.
“The atmosphere on the days isn't something that I can really describe or put into words. It's unbelievable.
“The last six or seven miles or so are a real slog, but there are literally thousands and thousands of people either side of the course shouting your name and pushing you on. Without the crowds, I really don't think there'd be as many finishers!
“I ran for the Alzheimer's Society, Dementia Friendly Newtown and Dementia Friendly Welshpool. It's a charity that supports so many people in various ways and the two groups are really important to our communities. I'm hoping that the money I've raised will make life a little easier for those affected by the disease.
“I'm going to hang up my marathon running trainers for now, but in a few years’ time it's the 50th London Marathon. Maybe I'll aim for that one.”
Newtown plumber Matty Upson said he was motivated to run his first marathon for Meningitis Research Foundation to give back to the charity that helped his mum, Sarah Upson, who contracted meningitis as a child.
"Mum was obviously emotional but it was a very good day," said Matty who has been recovering on the sofa before returning to work on Tuesday.
"I would recommend people to do it once, but I don’t think I’ll do it again.
"I’m knackered. I’ve got sunburn and my feet are hurting but it was 100 per cent worth it. The crowds get you through it from start to finish."
Matty added: "It’s all in your head. If you have any battles, just keep going. You hit a wall and you think ‘no way I can do it’ but just keep grinding. When people say you can’t do it, use that as your motivation.”
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