My Thoughts After Running The London Marathon 2025 | Martin Sharp

Written by Martin Sharp

Wow what an experience! The TCS London Marathon is done, my first of 3 fundraising for Teenage Cancer Trust with Milton Keynes coming up next weekend and Leeds the weekend after. And also my first ever marathon race, going from not running in February to running what is now crowned the world's biggest marathon, with 57,449 starters and 56,640 finishers according to the Guinness World Records, which you can read more about here. While I feel really positive, happy and excited to have completed this, my body is making me extremely aware of its aching parts, mainly being sore feet, back ache, tight hamstrings and sun burn. 

If you are wondering what it is like? Well, getting off the packed train at Blackheath was similar to any other journey to or around London. Though joining the main road to see the sea of people walking up to the heath, then joining the 10’s of thousands of people waiting was a bit intimidating. It was a calm, almost subdued atmosphere, each person going through their own mental and physical preparations, which became sheer excitement as their wave (and mine) were called up to the start. The music was blaring and commentator doing their motivational moment, until we're given the instruction to start, with 42.2km/26.2 miles ahead.

The runners are awesome, each running for their own reason and with their own challenges. Whether decked out in an eye-catching costume or the colours of a charity they are running for (just like me) or in their own running gear, many sporting the colours of this years London Marathon kit. 

So, how did I manage it? For me, I ran my plan. I felt amazing for the first 24km/15 miles, hitting my groove of 6’30”/km (and sometimes faster), enjoying conversations with runners on the way  and grabbing a few selfies plus video snips (for another post) 

At 24km/15 miles, my body changed as expected to 7’30”/km, 3km/2 miles earlier than expected, though perhaps this was the heat. Then at 32km/20 miles it changed unexpectedly again to 8’30”/km and i had to dig deep to keep going. My right leg and hip were screaming at me to stop and when I did for a brief moment to collect some water, it stiffened quickly and it took another 1/2km to get back into a rhythm (reminder to self when going through hell, don't stop)   

Though it didn't take too much to keep me going the thought of everyone who had supported me to get here and the electric crowd cheering all the runners on with whistles, shout outs, steel drum, drumming bands, brass bands, choirs, dj’s, banners, smiles and high fives, plus so much more was inspiring in itself. This propelled me to a personal best of completing in 5 hours 11 minutes and 39 seconds with a celebratory leap over the finish line!

Special thanks to everyone who has supported me, it has been really appreciated, with a special shout out to Gabriel Flores, Mike Dales, Claire Fudge, Mark Overend, Ruth Driscoll, Paul Campbell, Paul Speirs Stanisław, Stan Suchy, Alka Patel, Sarah Sharp, Dominic Furness and Hannah Sharp. Also a huge thanks to those who inspired and challenged me to do a marathon Alka, Gabe, Chris Rowell, Todka and Moses Joel Nalocca. And also a big thank you to Teenage Cancer Trust - 2025 TCS London Marathon Team for supporting those who ran on their behalf.

A special shout out to Lewis from Christ Church Uni who gave me an amazing back and leg massage, along with a good natter in Prince Philip’s House.

So what did I learn?

1) armpit chafing is a thing and painful. Need to rub body glide there next time.

2) heat really does affect your performance. Last 5 miles dropped to 8’30/km

3) i should have let Sarah rub sun cream on before i set off on the train as my back is so burnt because i forgot them.

If you haven't had a chance to add a donation for Teenage Cancer Trust the page is still available at http://sharpfitforlife.com/tct2025 as I have 2 more marathons to do  and a big big thank you to everyone who has. I know they are incredibly appreciative of your support as this event is one of the main sources of funds for the incredible work they perform.

I wish all the runners good rest and a speedy recovery. It has been an honour to run with you all and maybe see you on a route in the future.

And the same for all the volunteers who did an amazing job from Shepherding and supporting all the runners with kindness, efficiency, effectiveness and fun.

Sorry for the radio silence yesterday, with a world record-breaking 56,000 runners and estimated over 800,000 spectators, mobile internet wasn't great.

Now it feels like I have to learn to walk again. 1/3 Marathons done, 2 to go! I am doing this challenge as a fundraiser for Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) if you would like to donate, please do so via the link: https://2025tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/martin-sharp. Let's do this!