Warm weather is tough going for Marathon trio

Former Herald&Post reporter Steve Nolan, doing his second marathon – this time in aid of brave Luton burns survivor Shamiam Arif – said the combination of warm weather no breeze meant he was beginning to flag by mile 22: “I was also in a fair amount of pain.

“But the support of the crowd cheering me on was immense – it really gives tired legs a boost.

“I’m really proud to have finished. It was such an emotional experience and I’m delighted to have raised money for such a worthy cause.”

Luton Borough Council press and communications officer Adam Kearney said his initial reaction was ‘Never again.’

But the Kiwi, running his first marathon for mental health charity MIND, confessed: “On reflection, it was one of the best days of my life and part of me wants to see if I go under four hours.”
He added: “It was easily the hardest thing I’ve ever done, much more difficult than I imagined. My legs packed in about the 22 mile mark but I managed to stumble the last few miles.”

Caddington dad Mike Morland, taking part for The Baby Snow Fairy Fund in memory of his premature triplets, also felt the burn.

He said: “I hit the wall around 18 miles but I dug deep, remembered my boys and the reasons why I was running and got through it.

“There was amazing crowd support and it was great to come round corners and see sights like the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Big Ben.

“The next day I could hardly stand on my ankles. But it was totally worth it.”