Ians knowledge of London certainly paid off, despite strict parking restrictions Ian managed to drop us off at a really convenient spot very close to the finish and although the people who owned the house were unable to join us ( a couple called Liz and Philip) they made us most welcome with some left overs from their sons wedding.

As we had safely arrived in London the Harriers racing team headed off to the start at Blackheath. The BBC weather forecast had said rain and cold and fortunately they had got it wrong (again). Bruce Chapman arrived at the start with a specially stretched Lewis Manning running vest ( our local charity ) and more than enough guts and determination to get him around the gruelling course. Also on Blue Start were "Mad " Mike Hughes, a svelte Juliet Kingsford, Ultra Legend and AAAs gold medallist Ros Dwyer and yours truly Kevin Dwyer.

37000 people and you still run into people you know! Poole AC, Lytchett Striders, Poole Runners, and familiar faces from events vaguely remembered were there at the start.

Finally we get off and the first few miles are a mix of camaraderie, laughter and gentle banter, the sun is shining and the support this year is so uplifting, with a record crowd of people taking advantage of the fine weather and the opportunity to witness Paula Radcliffe running a legendary race.

Each of us, from Paula down to the final finisher will have to find that inner strength to push on when we feel that there is nothing left. Some run faster than others, some run slower, but we go on to the finish and feel that sense of achievement that makes it all worth while.

The rest of the run is about our individual experiences on the day, injuries that prevented adequate training or were incurred during the race fade away in the glow of finishing and having that Medal placed around your neck. A couple of pints in the pub afterwards and your thoughts drift towards next years race, who said " Never Again?".

Harriers results are: