Katie Pearce reports:

It was an extremely sunny day in Stratford, perfect for spectating but not for those for running.  
Full of nerves and very anxious I took the start line at 12:45pm for a 1:00pm hot start.  With Over 3000 entries for the full and half marathon the race limit was reached, so Dad (Dave Pearce) had an excuse not to run in the half and pace me for the first Lap. 

The atmosphere in Stratford was great and the spectators were out in full, the course was nice and scenic, and not too flat.   

Taking on the advice from those who ran London the previous week I took on plenty of water (well tried to anyway, though drinking out of cups is never easy).

I found a couple of runners to run with on the way, my favourite had to be a man over 70 who had run London the previous Sunday and finished 2nd in the over 70 category.  He finished London in 3:32 and hoped to do under 3:40 this week.  It was his 116 marathon, he was truly astonishing.  Though I expect Richard Gurd will still be going then too - by the way where were you Richard?. 

The race went by quickly and I didn't really notice it was two laps, in fact it was quite nice to see dad at half way for a drink change and energy boost.  I was in good time all the way round getting to the 20mile mark in about 2:38, however was very wary of the last 6, after some of the Windle horror stories from last week.  Anyway the last miles were so boring.  6 miles in a straight line on a converted railway line to cycle path, but the end was almost in site.  The last mile flew by and I saw dad on the corner before the finish so I sped up hoping to look strong and impress the old man, he ran with me for a bit...I like to think he couldn't keep up, but I think he was just letting me have my glory on my own... I busted a gut for the last 50m to try and get the time under 3:35 on the official clock but failed 3:35.04.....gutted, especially as it took 7 seconds to get over the start (if only it was chipped!). 
Anyway so pleased to have finished and beat dad's London time which was my aim (if I had been beaten by a 57 year old would never had lived it down).  I finished 4th Lady and 10th overall, not bad for my first one.  I have to say I really enjoyed my 1st marathon and can't wait for London next year.  Thank you to Windle Valley for your good luck card I was really touched.  

oh... I did beat the 70+ year old for those who were wondering and made it all the way round without a toilet stop - an achievement in itself for me!

Chris Dent adds

Katie mentions  in her article "by the way where were you Richard?"   Well  I can reveal that he was by his standards taking a stroll in the park. He was actually competing in the Bracknell Half Marathon on Sunday finishing in 18th place out of 740 finishers with a time of 1:23:32. Well done Richard !

Results

Race Position	Pos. in Selection	No.	Entrant	Gender	Age Group	Club	Time
117	1	1180	Katie Pearce	F		Windle Valley Run	03:35:04
526	2	1059	Mary Painter	F	Ladies Over 35	Windle Valley Run	04:39:04