40441.2020

Relentless rain pelted runners racing today’s bespoke peripatetic London Marathons. This was the event like no other in living memory. Covid-19 had caused the normal spring date to be postponed until now. Only elite runners were able to compete in the capital city, on a revised route tailored just for them. All other competitors were invited to measure out their own routes which to follow in their home areas.

Our nephew-in-law, Andy ran from his home in Shirley, a suburb of Southampton, to the green outside the historic Chequers Inn on the outskirts of Lymington. Various friends and relatives tracked him and applauded along the way. His cycling escort, friend Jonathon, would have been in the elite race, but has injured a foot. Elizabeth e-mailed me these images of the start.

We gathered first at Lyndhurst’s Bolton’s Bench.

Bedraggled ponies and their attendant crows trotted or foraged. Ella said “I like horses”; Elizabeth tracked progress on an app thingy; rain pelted the puddles.

and was cheered on by friends and daughter standing in rainy puddles.

The next meeting point was Denny Wood where the hero of the day, after 13 miles was looking fresh and relaxed as he waved to his supporters, before trotting off through the forest. Have I mentioned the rain?

The route continued along Beaulieu Heath. We gathered at

the Norleywood car park, as wet as everywhere else,

then waited on the main road. Take note of the two leading friends,

who happily gatecrashed this stage of the journey.

By Boldre Lane runner and escort had been joined by Andy’s brother, Richard, offering encouragement for the last few miles.

We all gathered at the finish. Elizabeth sent me the last of these pictures.

Andy and Jonathon, accompanied by Richard, hove into view

and the hero was given a warm welcome.

Elizabeth came home with us afterwards where, for a late lunch, we all enjoyed Jackie’s chicken stoup followed by her apple pie and ice cream.

Later in the evening Jackie and I dined on egg mayonnaise sandwiches with which she drank Hoegaarden and I drank more of the Shiraz.

81 comments

  1. Oh, bravo to Andy!! I cannot even imagine running a marathon,( although I know you can). have had a few of my runs turn virtual, and it’s way harder to run without all the fun and hullaballoo of a real race. SO COOL that you al showed up and made it fun for him. That is awesome. Danni and Ella are beautiful as always. I hope you’re both warm and dry and toasty now.

    1. We are well warmed now, Jodie. Thanks very much. One of the benefits of the normal London marathon is that people line both sides of the route cheering all the way – jazz bands and all – Andy couldn’t have that, but he enjoyed the cheers he got.

  2. What a delightful and fun story, accompanied by marvelous images that have captured the essence of the day. Well done, Derrick. Congrats on your beautiful and loving family and friends.

  3. That’s a wonderful pictorial, Derrick. Thanks for sharing and congratulations to Andy – and you all for Coping with the rain!

  4. I can’t imagine running a marathon in the pouring-down rain! Wonderful photos of the participants, and of the runners! Ella is really growing fast!

  5. 40441 looks like a he is having a blast … the wet onlookers not so much. It’s so good that you were there Derrick. Hope you had something warm and comforting later ?

  6. That is an interesting way of having the marathon, and still allowing all to compete! The rain must have been a help in the sense no one is likely to overheat during the run. Ella looks so sweet! Is this the first marathon she has watched?

  7. I thank you for the gloomy, moody black and white, Derrick.
    What a dynamic pictorial reportage! The hero of the day, splashing through the rain, and the star of the day – adorable Ella.

  8. Wow…..that was quite a challenge in the rain, but Andy’s spirits were obviously not dampened. An impressive achievement. How wonderful that he had so much support out there in the soggy weather.

  9. People seem to be eager to break free! It must be an exciting experience to Ella who seems to be wanting to give her legs a taste of the marathon!

  10. Did you yearn for your younger days when you seemed to run a different Marathon every weekend, and would proudly bring into the office on Monday the medal you received at the finish?

  11. Congrats to Andy! (He didn’t let the rain put a damper on his enthusiasm or his running ability! YAY!!! 🙂 ) But Ella steals the show! 😉 🙂 What a cutie! 🙂
    Love your raindrops meet the puddles photos!
    And the ponies look like they take everything in stride! 🙂
    HUGS!!! 🙂

  12. It’s interesting that this marathon seems an apt metaphor for life these days. The conditions aren’t always perfect, but we keep on running! Kudos to Andy, and smiles for Ella, who surprised me by saying she liked horses. I’m not surprised she likes them, but when we watch a child grow online, realizing that they’re beginning to talk can be pleasantly startling.

  13. Congratulations to Andy! It looks like everyone enjoyed the day, despite the rain. (I think you may have mentioned it.) I agree with all the comments above about Ella. She’s adorable, and I had the same reaction about her talking. I liked the crow attendants to the horses. 🙂

    I’ve heard advertisements for several marathons where people register, run their own course, and then log in their info.

  14. On dear, so you also a very wet weekend. Well done for braving the weather and supporting Andy. And Very Well Done to Andy!

    Fabulous photos of the event.

  15. Was dat uw zoon? Wat een Bikkel! Uw schoonzoon? Wat een Kanjer!!! Kleinzoon …? “Aaaach, met zijn laarsjes in de plassen: zó dapper …
    Ik moet het allemaal nog even goed bestuderen in twee talen … Elfriede Heinzel * http://www.friedabblog.wordpress.com * Amsterdam * maandagmiddag, 5 oktober 2020, 17.00 uur … Hollandse “Zomertijd” … Héél véél liefs uit Holland!

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