The London Marathon: The Great Suburban Everest!

A peak that every man or woman might aspire to, just about anyone can conquer the distance, but in reality relatively few are prepared to make the effort. For those that are it almost invariably hurts - and hurts a lot!

Which isn't surprising given that during the course of 26miles, 385yards, or 42,195metres, the average runner's feet hit the ground over 30,000 times. And each step sends a shock the equivalent of 3 times your body weight through your legs, your thighs and your spine!

Bizarrely over 35,000 people (including one or two friends of ours) decided the pain was worth it and once again provided a great sporting spectacle and one of the best examples of city-life at its best in the process. Well done Jonny, Garry, Paula, Kevin and Chick! 'You ran with perseverence the race marked out for you!'

I must admit that my enjoyment of the whole thing (which has to be experienced to be believed) was a little tempered by the fact that injury had prevented me being on the other side of the barriers, but still, there's always next year?!