TCS London Marathon 2025
A beautiful day lay in wait for the six Greenock Glenpark Harriers who arrived at the start line of this year’s TCS London Marathon. This year saw the mass participation event claim the world record for the most ever finishers of any marathon event. As well as the usual celebrities there were two notable athletes making their debut at the marathon distance. Eilish McColgan making up for her disappointment at missing out last year and Olympic triathlete Alex Yee showing what a versatile performer he is. How lucky were they to be on the same start line as our amazing athletes.
Stephen Hanley, was the only Harrier to have previously completed the marathon distance and with the added complication of figuring parenthood in with the training block arrived on the start line hoping that he could get close to a PB. He was having a great race, buoyed by the amazing atmosphere, but after mile 16 where the heat started to kick in he delved into his guts, determination and experience to tough out the day and finished in a not too shabby 3.21.24. Stephen had a tough shift but it could be argued that wife Jennifer had the tougher day navigating Ben’s pram round the busy streets of London as chief supporters. Better luck spotting Harry Judd next time round Jennifer.
Ricky Long found himself on the start line using London as part of his preparation for an Ironman later on in the year. An interrupted training block saw him set a realistic goal for the day and set about enjoying the day to the fullest while getting the miles in too. Ricky broke his race into 5km chunks and is sure this helped get him through the tough, hot miles. Near the end with his aims achieved Ricky slowed down for the last kilometre to fully drink in the London experience crossing the line in 4.06.57.
Jill Turner was the emotional recipient of the sole club place at this years race. In a bizzare twist of fate, best friend and fellow harrier, Eilidh Black was also running, having scored a place in the ballot. Jill had already had her travel etc booked to support her and so fate intervened and she was to find herself on the start line. Both girls found themselves in separate waves but agreed to meet about 3 miles in where the different pens merged. They then ran the rest of the race together drinking in, and drawing on the motivation of the incredible crowds to help them tick the miles off. Both had strong training blocks and should be rightly proud of their achievements. Jill’s official time was 4.54.52 while Eilidh crossed the line in 4.51.50
Alison Robertson had an amazing weekend supported by her family and had a great run into the bargain. Adapting her plan due to the weather and ensuring she made best use of the water/ ice/ shower stations and being sensible with her fuelling ensured that she had the best experience over the weekend.Kept going by her family group chat and a supportive video message from her chosen charity’s ambassador, Joe Wicks she got to mile 22 feeling good but as tiredness took its’ toll she nursed her aching hips to the finish line to her great joy and happiness in a time of 4.51.36.
Our final runner Ryan McMonagle only began his running journey late last year after being successful in the ballot. He had a strong start to his training block but a virus and the inevitable niggles that come with the increased mileage.ensured the elusive perfect training block didn’t happen. Ryan, however, stood on the start line with confidence following a strong performance in the Barcelona half marathon in the not too distant past. After a strong start where everything was looking good cramp reared its head and in a show of true guts and determination Ryan ensured that the finish and medal was not going to elude him. A time of 5.23.03 ensured that he can now call himself a marathon runner and he should be rightly proud of his efforts, as should all of our amazing runners.
As always new members are always welcome to come along and experience the Harriers. Our weekly training sessions are tailored to all abilities and provide a welcoming and safe space to improve your performance and meet like minded folk. Get in touch via our socials or by email greenockglenparkharriers@gmail.com to find out more about joining the best wee club in the West.