Many a thing occurred this week, the Budget Bonanza starring Alistair Darling and his pet eyebrows and today the London Marathon takes place. 30,000 people are expected to take part in the run but this does not overflow my body with ebullience one little tidily wink. Quite the opposite, hats off to the people who are running for charity, very noble indeed. But it’d be far more captivating if every person taking place in the Marathon was ‘in it to win it.’ A 30,000 barrage of human steel trudging through the streets of London as if they were stallions on steroids. I kid you not It would be a grand spectacle to watch, Celebrities, Mascots, Ethiopians and the general public slugging it out to be crowned the ‘Mighty Marathon Minx.’
Katie Price (Katie Andre?) will take part along with her cheese coated hubby Peter Andre. Gordon Ramsey will be running his tenth marathon, perhaps to reassure himself that this year hasn’t been a complete failure. He evidently has the Credit Crunch adorned, strapped and pinned to his Bravehearted brain. He said “We’re fighting a global credit crunch, and in terms of coming out and having fun, it costs nothing to come and watch.” Another runner who is taking part who is worth taking note of is Major Phil Packer, a paraplegic who was unfortunately crippled in a rocket attack in the Iraqi city of Basra last year. The Major Man is running for children’s charity Vision and said “I don’t think you can ever be prepared for the marathon. It’s not a normal distance to run.” You don’t say!? Oh I see! I was wondering why they called it the marathon… Talk about stating the obvious Major PP, it’d be called the London Run otherwise dear Sir. But with the silly statements a side this guy is a true inspiration, he aims to complete the event in 13 days and is aiming to raise a whopping £1m for the charity Help The Heroes. He is a true hero. The question that you will be wondering is "how will he physically manage it?" And with all due respect to Major Packer, it’s a fair question. He will run the race on crutches and is aiming to complete two miles a day. Paula Radcliffe will not be taking part due to a broken toe... shame.
The marathon has been labelled the largest single fundraising event in the world. Last year runners raised more than 46m for charity. It is a fantastic event; it brings people together, keeps people fit and raises sacks and sacks of cash for charities. I really do hope it continues for centuries to come.
