MARATHON DAY - SUNDAY 11th JANUARY

DOPEY CHALLENGE COMPLETED

Sunday morning came in very fast as we had another 3.15am alarm call. This was the fourth day of the challenge. Our two marathon runners having survived three events so far totaling 15 kilometres and 13.1 miles (yes, they still have imperial distances still!), colds and some tiredness were ready for the full marathon to complete their very own DOPEY CHALLENGE. All the events should be viewed as challenges and not races although some entrants will have run some or all of them without walking being an option.

In the car park I met a man from Sheffield who had completed the half the previous day and was now running the marathon. I did see him during the race with his 'Union Jack' vest. I think that it is good to fly the flag. I am of the opinion that it would be good idea if there had been a meeting point on the previous Wednesday for us 'Brits' just to say hello.

Any evidence of nationalism or signs of patriotism were few. There was the American National Anthem before each race, there were some with the name of their country on their vests and only a few carrying the 'Stars & Stripes'.

For this day we were better organised. We knew where we could be close to the runners and enjoy the occasion more. An Epcot Mono Rail took us effortlessly to the four mile mark where there was refreshments and toilets. The race track is narrow here. There was supportive applause and noise as the runners came past. There were moments of celebration even at this early stage. Our two came by and they looked very good.

The next viewing point was at mile nineteen conveyed there by the fantastic mono rail and then by bus. Some roads were blocked off to facilitate the race route and the movements of spectators. Our driver, who according to the Americans on board, could not speak English, but we understood his every word! He drove down an almost deserted free way and decided it was the wrong way to go voicing his concerns before deciding what to do. He reversed. Well, it was the obvious thing even if one or two vehicles were going in the opposite direction. Consternation for some but we got there.

We were again close to the runners and now some walkers. As I have said that for many this, and the previous 'races', are challenges. Encouragement was loud and frequent.

You're looking good.

You got it.

This was all the guy next to me was shouting. There was applause for the more sedate and we just joined in with the local vernacular! I enjoyed it. We participated as much as we could while we waited. Then they were there still looking good and at the finishing line they crossed over it together - well almost as Howard needed a slightly bigger bra! Well done to Julia who beat him, or so she says!

Julia was presented with a rose. Love is so good to see.

Dopey Challenge Completed and now they have six medals to hang around their necks.

They are AWESOME!

We all came here for ourselves, the challenges were undertaken on any personal basis and we were all there to support. At the same time we have raised money for TEENAGE CANCER TRUST(www.teenagecancertrust.org) and for MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION at make-a-wish.org.uk. It is good to give and we, ourselves and our friends have done that. We had fun doing so, but I think that all six of us had the greater experience. It was very good to be there.