26 miles? Virgin London Marathon no problem for journalists

WE DID IT! After months of training for journalists Nick and Dan have completed their task – finishing the Virgin London Marathon.

WE DID IT! After months of training Reporter journalists Nick and Dan have completed their task - finishing the Virgin London Marathon.

The heat was on for the 20-somethings - literally, Sunday temperatures hit as high as 21C in the capital - who had been on a three month campaign to raise �10,000 for the charity CHILDREN with LEUKAEMIA.

And they held up to the physical challenge by getting round the gruelling 26.2 mile course. Nick completed it in 4hrs 54mins and Dan in 5hrs 21mins.

Dan said: "The times were not quite what we were after but, taking into account it was such a hot day and our first ever marathon, we are not too disappointed.

"We've both been training since December so it feels so good to have finally done it.. On the one hand it has come round really quickly; on the other it has seemed like an eternity since we were allowed a beer!

"The day itself was brilliant, if not a little overwhelming. We were told the crowd help to drag you round, and that is exactly how it is. The experience has definitely given us the marathon bug."

The reporters had some fantastic help along the way. That included one-on-one sessions with personal trainers, running coaches and a triathlete, as well as top advice and fitting from footwear specialist shop, Runnerway in Cromwell Road.

"It's been fantastic - we've had some of the very best advice from the some of the best that Saffron Walden has to offer and in that respect we feel this has been a real community campaign," said Dan.

"We have met some talented and helpful people along the way. We'd like to say a special thanks to Clare and Pete Thompson, Jack Peasgood, and Alex Sullivan, Mike Ratcliffe and Phil Wallis at the Lord Butler Leisure Centre.

"It was difficult enough trying to get round the 26 miles - without their continued assistance it would have been even more difficult."

The reporters also reserved a huge thank you to all who sponsored them - most notably Saffron Building Society who decided to act as the main sponsors from the off.

"They have been sensational, right from the word go. Their support gave us a great platform with which to work. We really can't thank them enough," added Dan.

So far the pair have topped the �8500 mark but they are eager to reach their intended target for the charity.

"People have been extremely generous in difficult times and for that we will be forever thankful," said Dan. "But it's a fabulous charity and we would really like to raise as much money for them as possible."

There is still time to get your donation in. Visit bmycharity.com/nickanddan or pop into the office at 54 High Street, Saffron Walden to make a cash donation.