RUNNERS EARN THEIR STRIPES
W
ITH not even the capital’s most iconic race immune to the impact of coronavirus, the 40th chapter of the Virgin Money London Marathon’s history was like no other. The pandemic meant elite athletes had to compete on a closed-loop biosecure course in St James’s Park, while more than 36,000 amateur runners tackled their own sociallydistanced 26.2-mile routes in the allotted 24-hour timeframe. Throw in the absence of the usual cheering crowds and Storm Alex’s high winds and heavy rain, and the anniversary event on 4 October was characterised by change. There was, however, at least one familiar and reassuring constant from previous years – the sight of those lacing up wearing Wooden Spoon’s distinctive stripes. A total of seven runners completed the marathon-distance to raise money for the children’s charity of rugby, with Wales’ top try scorer Shane Williams and representatives of corporate supporters FedEx and Rugbytots among those braving blisters to positively transform young lives. Wooden Spoon supporter Simon Stevens, who ran the race in memory of police officer
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“Despite the awful weather conditions I would not have wanted to be anywhere else than running with friends and raising funds for a fantastic charity” Matt Ratana (page 43), told Spoonews: “I’m so glad I could do something in Matt’s honour. “It was a pleasure to run for Wooden Spoon and I also had a drink in the Windmill in Clapham, which – as a rugby-loving pub – backs the charity.” Victoria Green, who raised more than £2,600
for the children’s charity of rugby, added: “On reflection and once my legs finally felt like mine again, I can honestly say I really enjoyed the day. “The sense of achievement I felt straight afterwards and still now is incredible, what makes it feel even better is knowing I’ve raised
woodenspoon.org.uk
