Our Brighton Marathon runners
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A HUGE thank you to all our fantastic Brighton Marathon runnners!
- Adrian Coward
- Jim McCullagh
- Graham Bartlett
- Holly Woolloff
- Lewie Evans
- David Pierce
- Terry Withers
- James Millen
- Sue Nottingham
- Matt Shepherd
- David Lower
- Mark Hedgecock
- Paul Taylor
- Ralph Gilbert
If you are interested in running for St Barnabas House in the 2011 Brighton Marathon please contact our Events Team on 01903 871817 or email events@stbh.org.uk
My Race Day Verdict
No choice than to have an early to bed and an early to rise
5.15 am, a bit too early before my 9.15 long exercise
Collect a fellow runner from Findon and with wife Maggi as driver
We are off to Brighton to run for many a fiver
First call though having dropped off fellow runner at the park
To see my 94 year old Mum and to get her up with the lark.
I explained the importance of the Marathon to me
And how I was raising money for the Hospice St B's
Then to Preston Park to meet the St Barnabas and Chestnut Team
Photo-call at 7.30,nervous smiles with teeth all a gleam
Met other friends doing things much the same
Talking the day through knowing there is no gain without pain
Loading ones clothes and belongings onto a lorry
Pick the right truck or much later I would be sorry
Then off to the right colour zone around the Preston Park Track
Wondering why my colour zone is quite near the back
The countdown was then tannoyed over the park
With thousands of voices counting out loudly - now we can start.
I crossed the start line at 9.33
The elite runners by now were at mile number 3
I had my right head on because a lot is in the mind
Pace yourself, enjoy yourself and to your body be kind
It wasn't long before the Brighton crowds spurred me on
Come on David, Come on David shouted the throng
At 6 miles I was still living the dream
But things quietened down when after the Marine
But not for long because as I entered Ovingdean
There was a large contingent all cheering and keen
Rottingdean marker was Mile number 10
Double figures my right head tells me a milestone again
Back to Brighton along Marine Parade - Heavens alive
Vast numbers cheering, I'm halfway but to my left the winner has arrived
Passing West Street gave me a real high
The crowd all cheering for David, brought a tear to my eye
My first setback was New Church Road heading west a long way
And then turning back east, I thought I am in for a long day.
The same at the Power Station to Mile 22
Then turning eastwards with a distant hazy pier into view
I was fortunate at this time to have friends around the course
Their presence and encouragement helped my resource
It seemed a long 4 miles and I had periods of walking
Time to talk to myself, I needed a good talking
I thought of friends at Florence Road Baptist and at Shoreham Meths
Who had said prayers for me and wishing me their best
I thought also why am I doing this and making a fuss
Then remembering lost loved ones who died at St Barnabas
With 2 miles to go feeling really hot and drained
I knew all my hard work beforehand proved how well I trained
Because I now knew my dreams would come true
That I would finish the course, I knew I would win through
As I entered the last mile the crowds were outstanding
I raised my game to run to the finish with arms raised and waving
Then into the last 200 my legs started to go
My pace had to shorten and I thought not now...please no
At this point I saw Maggi and the family were in sight
With shouts from my children and grandchildren, my feet just took flight
Into the finish in under 5 and a half hours
I looked back down the course so happy and proud
For 10 minutes I had the desire to lie down
It hit me I needed some water to bring me around
Then it was off to Donatellos for a meal at four
Wearing my medal, new Tshirt and smiles galore
To cheers from all round I felt so proud of myself
At 66 my satisfaction was worth more than wealth
My charity St Barnabas will receive a few hundred from me
So I would like to thank you all for your support and so would St B.
A poem by David Pierce