TRAINING paid off for a local woman who finished the London Marathon 20 years after the last time she took on the grueling 26.2 mile course.
Sonia Earle finished the race in five hours 49 minutes – a time she was pleased with. She said, “The marathon went very well. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing even more so than the first time I ran it 20 years ago. Supporters lined the streets along the whole route which really spurred me on.
“My family were at the halfway point just past Tower Bridge and then again at 23 miles. Now it’s over it’s nice to go for a run because I want to, and not because I have to because my training plan says so!
“I finished in 5hrs 49 minutes which I’m really pleased with considering how hot it was on the day, I do feel I struggled a little in the sun. Having had melanoma I have to avoid running during the day, so during warmer weather I run early morning or evening when it’s cooled down.
“I have no more races planned until Bournemouth Half Marathon at the beginning of October but I would really love to run London Marathon again next year so I’ve entered the ballot and am keeping my fingers crossed.”