RUNNERS EARN THEIR STRIPES

WITH 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

“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

money which will be a huge help to families and children through Wooden Spoon.”

Paul Hurley, who settled on a return trip from Radstock to Bath and was cheered along by friends and family in cars, said: “It was biblically cold but 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.”

Another of the magnificent seven was marathon debutante Julie Lewis-Thompson, who got swept into the world of running earlier this year. The Okehampton Running Club member said: “Training through lockdown kept my mental health in check as a place to reflect and enjoy the world around me.

“I never thought I would run my first marathon at 50, but I am now looking forward to doing the real event in London in 2021 having secured a place through Wooden Spoon. I am glad that I was able to raise a good sum for Wooden Spoon to support the tremendous work it achieves.”

Applauding the efforts of the resolute runners, Sarah Webb, CEO of the children’s charity of rugby, said: “Well done to all our marathon men and women.

“I am sure they are all very disappointed not to have been able to run the iconic race they had trained so hard for, however, the miles they have put in will make a huge difference to the children we support.”

➤ Want to run a virtual marathon of your

own? Or perhaps walk, cycle or swim to earn sponsorship for the children’s charity of rugby? Visit woodenspoon.org.uk/virtualchallenge to find out how you can help.

Going the distance: Clockwise from above, Wales great Shane Williams; Simon Stevens; FedEx runners Tom, Dan and Darren; Julie Lewis-Thompson; Paul Hurley and Victoria Green