While Co.Down was basking in glorious sunshine and temperatures hit the highest seen all year, four NAC Members were trying to generate some heat in a chilly Greenwich park as they waited for the start of the London Marathon 2024.

As many will know the route of the London marathon takes you through the famous cutty Sark, up over Tower Bridge, round the financial district, along the Thames embankment and along the final stretch to Buckingham Palace to the finish line on the Mall. There are crowds of people along the route from start to finish offering unmeasurable support which lifts the spirits when you need it most.

Jonny (two marathons in a week) Crutchley was hoping for a smash and grab in what would be his 4th London Marathon, after only flying in early on the Saturday morning. Hoping to better his time and with a sub 2:50, he was bang on track with 1:23:55 at halfway, but with the inevitable ‘wall’ at 20 miles that so many of us runners encounter; it was not to be his day. Blood blisters on both feet made for an uncomfortable last few miles, crossing the line in a still impressive time of 2:53:46 (his 3rd fastest marathon time to date) and another sub 3 marathon to add to the collection.

Philip (coalman) Murdock was feeling very upbeat as the conditions were looking perfect for running; cold and dry but a slight wind in some places (still much more settled than many nights running out and back on the Dundrum Road). This would be Phil’s 5th London Marathon. Phil finished in an excellent time of 2:57:58, his third sub 3 hour marathon in his last 3 marathon’s finishing in 3,091 position overall.

Mark Casey produced a superbly managed marathon this year. Setting out steadily from Greenwich and maintaining that pace all the way to finish in a time of 3:00:18.

Danny Kelly was the final NAC member to complete the 26.2 miles round the streets of London. Danny clocking a brilliant finish time of 3:54:59.