Virgin London Marathon 2011 - congratulations!
18 April 2011
A very big thank you and congratulations to all the runners who took part in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon for Sense on Sunday. Thanks for making it such a memorable occasion! Here are just some of the amazing stories and photographs from the day.
New world record for band on the run!
Huddersfield University students proved they’ve got what it takes to set a new Guinness World Record on Sunday when they became the fastest marching band to complete a marathon.
The band of 19 students and their lecturer marched their way into the record books at the weekend when they completed the world-famous Virgin London Marathon in an astonishing 7 hours and 55 minutes, making them the fastest band ever to march a marathon.
The band members, who are aiming to raise over £50,000 for Sense, played popular marching band tunes continuously around the 26.2 mile long track on instruments ranging from piccolos to trombones and tubas.
Guinness World Records spokesperson, Damian Field, said: “The final record achieved on the day provided arguably the most jubilant celebrations. 7 hours and 55 minutes after they had started the band of 20 musicians crossed the finishing line achieving a new Guinness World Record for the Fastest Marching Band to Complete a Marathon. They had played for the entire marathon course. This was an incredible feat and we would like to congratulate the band and everyone at Sense”.
Aisle see you at the finish!
Double congratulations to Vicky Williams and Craig Unsworth who completed the marathon for Sense on Sunday and will be tying the knot next Friday, the same day as the Royal Wedding.
Craig crossed the finish line in just 4 and a half hours while Vicky completed her tenth marathon in an incredible 3 hours 10 minutes.
But while most people will be putting their feet up for a well-deserved rest after completing the marathon, Vicky and Craig from Kirkby in Liverpool will be putting the last minute touches to their wedding preparations. Having their wedding on a bank holiday has worked out well for guests who can make a long weekend out of the celebrations.
Craig said: "Crossing the finish line felt amazing. Now I’m just looking forward to the wedding and putting my feet up on the honeymoon!”
Stevenage in-laws take to the track
When Jan Fry joined her son-in-law, Jon Sypula’s running club in Stevenage just nine months ago, little did he think that within the space of a few weeks she’d have them both signed up to run the London Marathon! But luckily they got over the shock and all their hard work and training paid off when Jan and Jon completed the marathon on Sunday.
Jon, who has hearing and sight loss as a result of Usher Syndrome, completed the race in 4 and a half hours: “This was my first marathon and I felt it was important that I did it whilst I could still see and take in as much as I possibly can. I was completely determined to cross that finish line!”
This was also first time for retired grandmother, Jan, who completed the course in just over 6 hours. “I always said I’d run the Marathon by the age of 60, and I’m really pleased that I’ve done it. I knew Jon would be much faster than me but I really enjoyed starting the race with him.”
If you have anything you would like to talk to us about, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0845 127 0063 or email marathon@sense.org.uk
Thank you so much to all of you for your support, dedication and enthusiasm