Run, Forrest, Run! Being A Brighton Marathon Hero

Last Sunday was a big day for my household; it was the day of the Brighton Marathon. My housemate, Aarun, had signed up to run the 26.2 miles throughout the city of Brighton and Hove, and his big day had finally arrived. He had previously run the half marathon in February, and had completed it in under his target time of 2 hours (he ran it in 1:59:45!). On Sunday, he had to do this route again...and back!





We all traipsed down to Preston Park at 8:30am to gather with the fellow runners and supporters who congregated around the start line. I was so surprised at the sheer number of people who were running! According to the BBC, 9,426 people took part in the 6th Brighton Marathon, with the fastest crossing the finish line in a mere 2 hours 10 minutes!








The route, which took participants through Ovingdean and Shoreham before finishing on Brighton seafront, proved a test for both regular marathon runners and first timers. With the sun out in full force, it was a beautiful day to run and be a spectator; the beach was packed full of friends and family who had come down to support their loved ones.





Aarun in the crowd



One of the most heart-warming parts of the marathon was seeing the crowd cheering on strangers as they battled towards the finish line. People shouted out words of encouragement to people they didn't know, and urged them to keep going. Moments like that definitely restore your faith in humanity! It was an absolutely fantastic atmosphere, surrounded in a great sense of camaraderie.





Aarun action-shot!


Every single person who participated in this year's marathon is a bloody amazing human being. It takes such determination and strength just to pass that finish line, regardless of your time. When Aarun passed that line (we were lucky enough to catch a few glimpses of him!), my heart filled with so much pride I nearly started crying!








Aarun was running to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a specialised children's hospital with global recognition. It's such an incredible hospital which treats over 240,000 paediatric patients every year. While the marathon is over, the fundraising isn't. He has managed to raise nearly £400 for the charity so far, but more can always be donated. There is still time to do your bit, just like Aarun, although yours will take less than 4 hours 31 minutes! If you could donate any amount, no matter how big or small, to GOSH, we would all greatly appreciate it. (If Aarun can run his first ever marathon, we can all reach into our pockets and spare £1!).





Aarun on the final stretch!


My marathon hero!


I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into Sunday's Brighton Marathon! Aarun finished in 4:31:00, and came away feeling better than he did after the half-marathon (anyone want to explain that one?!). We are all incredibly proud of the strength and grit he has showed, as well as his selflessness in raising money for this children's charity. If you would like to donate, here is a link to Aarun's JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/Aarun-Palmer/







THANK YOU!


Pretty and Polished

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5 comments

  1. Yaaaay congratulations to Aarun! Such a great achievement :D I'd love to do the London Marathon one day!

    hellomissjordan.blogspot.co.uk xx

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    1. You should sign up! It's such an incredible thing to do! Xx

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  2. Ohh what was his training plan..I'm hoping to train for one!x

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    Replies
    1. He didn't really train between the half marathon and now...but I will ask him what his intended training plan was if you'd like?! X

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