They entered, they ran, they conquered!! well almost.  21 hearty souls managed to set their alarm clocks early and play their part to raise funds for the Lord Mayor's Special Olympics Appeal and profile of the National Games at this year's Leicester Marathon, which took place on Sunday 19th October.

 

What a beautiful day, the sun shone on a crisp autumn morning in the city's Victoria Park as 2500 runners gathered to raise funds for worthy charitable  causes including  Loros, St Johns and Rainbows.

 

At 9am, following the team Special Olympics photo with the Lord Mayor and numerous media interviews carried out by former Tigers legend Tim Stimpson, it was finally left to Team Manager, Lee Penfold, Special Olympics GB athletes and SOL games ambassador, to steady the  nerves and offer last minute instructions to the SOL team. 'Just do it' was the rally call.  Meanwhile, Solly the Lion decided it was time to meet the sub 1.30 min elite runners at the start line. No one dared to argue with his suggested warm up stretches.

 

At approx' 9.15am, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Manjula Sood finally started the 2008 Leicester Marathon and the runners were off to cheers and words of encouragement from the gathering crowds along the route. The atmosphere was electric as a community of runners set off on their own personal goal to complete either the full, half or relay leg of the marathon.

 

Taking on board last year's suggestion to improve the traffic flow, the race organisers had finally struck gold as the race took in some amazing scenic views of the city and county. The army of unsung hero's of sport - the race volunteer marshals and support staff along the route provided much needed liquid refreshment at the water stations and local people seemed to appear from no where to offer words of encouragement when energy levels started to rise and fall and fall.

 

Entering the city centre was sheer delight as the end was in sight. At a glimpse, the Highcross looked rather impressive even though there was no time to stop for any last minute shopping. It was the ascent up the picturesque New Walk that was to prove the real test of endurance and mental fatigue. With the finishing line in sight end, it was the amazing sprint finish of a gorilla who caught the attention of fazed and bewildered runners and the cheers of the public. It was over and the celebrations began. Well done to all!!!

 

A great team effort from everyone, especially the backroom team including Lou Holland, Solly the Lion, Lee Penfold, Special Olympics GB athlete and Games Ambassador, Mrs Lesley Penfold, supporters, families and friends.

 

Team Special Olympics:  Rob Thomas and colleagues from the council's Children and Young People's Services, Mark Laywood, Clive Morrison, Rob Leather, Phil Whitticase and colleagues from the Leicestershire County Cricket Club, Ian Kitchinson and colleagues from Oval Assurance, Craig Mortimer, Derek Jelley, Tim Stimpson, Bryan Steel, Andy Reed MP,  Mark Ingram, Mark Wanleff and Steve Humphries