Marathon runner achieves lifetime ambition
AN ALLOA runner fulfilled a lifetime ambition by taking part in the London Marathon last week and despite the aches and pains is keen to do it all over again.
Ian Hossack (35) - pictured after completing the race - took part in the world famous event to raise money for Cancer Research.
He was delighted to complete the marathon in four hours 14 minutes, just over his initial four hour target - and beating the time of champion athlete Iwan Thomas.
The Wee County Harrier took part in the marathon after his name was picked out of hat and told the Advertiser it was one of the best experiences of his life.
He said, "It was just amazing. I went down there wanting to do it in four hours but in the second half of the race I could feel myself slowing and just decided to enjoy the race for what it was.
"I went to the Excell Centre to register for the race and I met Paula Radcliffe and Iwan Thomas and other well known athletes, and even just talking to them was incredible.
"Coming up to the last mile of the race I spotted Iwan Thomas and I did a sprint finish to pass him. When I checked the times at the end I completed it in four hours 14 minutes and he completed it in four hours 19 minutes. I couldn't believe I had beaten a world class athlete like Iwan."
Ian's sister and brother-in-law were in London to support him and, after missing each other at various points, they finally spotted each other at the 24-mile mark.
"I kept looking out for them but apparently I kept going past them. I was beginning to think they weren't there so when I finally spotted them it was a huge relief. I ran over to them for a couple of minutes and got my photo taken."
It was touch and go whether Ian would make it to London by plane as he originally planned, but thankfully the volcanic ash cleared and Ian avoided a long journey by train or car.
Despite the stressful run-up to the race Ian said it was something he wouldn't have missed for the world and is already setting his sights on another marathon in a few months' time.
"The atmosphere is unbelievable and everyone down there is so supportive. People come out of their houses to cheer you on and give you drinks and sweeties," he said.
"I would definitely do another one and if I get organised quite quickly I could do the Inverness marathon in October. But I can honestly say if I never do another one again, it will be enough to say I have done the London Marathon."
Ian would like to thank all those who sponsored him and helped him raise more than £400 for Cancer Research.
http://www.alloaadvertiser.com/news/roundup/articles/2010/05/05/399958-marathon-runner-achieves-lifetime-ambition/
No comments:
Post a Comment