BATTLING her own shoes, blisters and a chaotic start, Anne Binns completed the London Marathon, raising money for Coeliac UK.

Anne said: “I didn’t get the sub four time I was hoping for, which was a bit disappointing, but I couldn’t have done any more than I did, it was so packed there.

“I got the most horrendous blisters but managed to complete the marathon in 4:07:19 — annoyingly just shy of what I needed. There were a number of photographs of me looking absolutely worn out; I was quite hot to be honest, got a little sunburnt too!

“It was unfortunate that we didn’t have time at the start to go to the toilet or get ready that much. It was just bedlam, there were so many runners — but strangely enough I did see Di Stevens, the other runner from Holsworthy, on the train up — small world.

“I was at the green start. I’d originally thought I would be at the blue start, but when I picked up my number it was green, which was one of the smaller starts unfortunately.

“I had a bit of a time of it really; my trainers started to break the week before the marathon, with the material coming unstuck at the sides. It was touch and go whether my new trainers would arrive in time — they did, but by then I had little to no time to break them in, only being able to walk around London that day!”

Anne said one of the best parts was crossing the London bridge and the final mile. She said: “There were a lot of Coeliac UK supporters on the bridge, it was great to see them all along there cheering me and the other runners on.

“But, the most exhilarating part has to be that final mile as you know you’re getting close to the finish line. As you run up towards Big Ben, turn into the Mall and on to the finish it’s amazing.

“Although I thought I had found what I would call a ‘sprint’ to the finish I was probably running very slowly.”

Anne ran the marathon to raise money for Coeliac UK, who have been a great support to her since she was diagnosed with the disease.

She said: “The night before the marathon I went to a wonderful gluten free marathon, it was like heaven to me for not having to worry about what I ordered! I was raising money for Coeliac UK for my run and have managed to exceed my £500 target, which is excellent!”

Speaking about the aftermath of the event, Anne said despite the disappointment of her time she is still on a ‘runner’s high’. She added: “It was wonderful; I haven’t come down yet, I’ve come home wearing my medal and t-shirt. Even though I didn’t get the time I wanted, I still had a great time!”

l See page 16 for more marathon news.