Stonyhurst Marathon Runners
Jess Bolton, Megan Ansbro and Mr McGarvey ran the London Marathon for Jesuit Missions, raising over £5,000 between them. Jess finished in 5.08, Megan in 5.49 40 seconds and Mr McGarvey in 4.02 11 seconds.
“It was a year ago, in the Common Room, that we had the idea to enter for it” said Jess. “It’s been a challenge fitting in our training with revision and coursework and we’d only completed 13 and 18 mile runs beforehand but we’re very glad we did it!” “You don’t really know what to expect” said Megan; “but the sense of achievement – which only really hit home 2 days later – receiving the medal and the experience were unbelievable and we’d definitely recommend it. The support was fantastic. Complete strangers calling out your name and handing you sweets meant a lot”.
“One of the high points was reaching Tower Bridge at 13 miles – it was the coolest atmosphere and that was the first time it hit you that you were in the middle of the London Marathon!” said Jess. “There are lots of different things that keep you going, like playing ‘I spy’, counting down the miles, being determined not to be overtaken by teddy bears and rhinos and just taking in everything going on around you helps. We heard a Gospel choir and a steel band, and even saw a priest sprinkling holy water over the runners! For me, the last mile was the quickest as I knew I was nearly there.”
“It was both brilliant and horrendous at the same time” said Mr McGarvey. “The crowds were amazing and kept you going but they also stopped you getting into a rhythm because you were constantly watching them. Running the last 200 metres from Buckingham Palace to the finish line felt further than the previous 26 miles! The best sign I saw said 'Run like you've just stolen something' and the most annoying thing was not being able to overtake the Honey Monster for 20 miles. All in all, an amazing day but not something you want to repeat too regularly....”
Also in the Jesuit Missions team of 20 were Mr Gibson from Stonyhurst St Mary’s Hall and several OS (alumni), including Page Gotfryd, Dan Layzell, Rupert Jolleys, Peter Small and Dominic Hoole. Congratulations to all!