Just a week ago, 12 Harriers took on the challenge of the 2025 TCS London Marathon in the heart of the capital. Below, they have rounded up their training journeys and race day experiences. Could 2026 be your year to do the same? Read on and get inspired.
Megan Benn (First Time) - Charity Place [5:23:49]
LONDON MARATHON 2025 THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE! ✨
This was my first experience of being at The London Marathon, I previously applied for 2023 and 2024 and was unsuccessful in both, I applied again this year and I also applied for a charity space as well, the ballot again unsuccessful, but the charity I got accepted for. The charity was Orchard Vale Trust, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and it’s a charity close to my heart as my sister Hannah was diagnosed with autism when she was 2 years old.
So as soon as I found out I had been successful, training was in full swing.
Training through winter and the cold dark nights was hard and you have to be really disciplined with yourself to get it done.
My whole experience in London I’d describe was a euphoric chaos, so many people in the city to do the same thing as you.
The support and encouragement was absolutely phenomenal and the crowds on the day were electric, strangers shouting my name that didn’t even know me, it was so sensational.
It was hot that day, which was tough and I was hoping for a better time, but considering it was my first and the heat, I’m just so pleased I made it to the finish line.
I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supported me and also to all the WCH for training with me on Wednesday and Sundays! 🙌🏻
Graham Goldsmid (PB) - Good for Age [3:21:38]
The London marathon this year was the biggest ever held and what a great atmosphere to be out running on such a warm day. Having run London last year I was lucky enough to get a place again and so had a good look at my training plan and race strategy from last year to see if I could improve on my time of 3.27.54. I realised that while the mileage and build up to the race had been fine, I needed to add more intensity into my training runs and try to run more miles at marathon pace. (Very much a Jon James tip as well!) Plus as an older runner; add more cross training as my legs (especially my glutes) had felt very tired in the last few miles in 24.
So this year after a 3 month training block the plan in such warm conditions was to try and set off at a steady sub 8 min mile pace for the first half, refuel with gels every 30 mins, take plenty of water then see how I felt once I got to Canary Wharf. The plan worked very well and despite a blip at miles 19 and 20 when the course got busy and I slowed to take more fuel on board. I felt fine the whole way round and finished strong in the last 10k and managed a negative split to finish in 3.21.38.
Helped all the way round by amazing crowds and fantastic support on course from family and members of Wells.
A great day and well done to everyone from Wells who ran. My time should get me a place next year so I am tempted to have another go once I've had a bit of a rest!
Christian Green - Championship Entry [2:43:48]
Things didn’t go to plan unfortunately. I was feeling good and ready at the start but having struggled with injury through the build up I was fairly unsure of how things would go. I decided to just go out and try to see what I could do. Heading through half way and out to 28km I was feeling very comfortable but that was the point where the hamstring issue I’d been struggling with came back to bite me. I managed to adjust and continue at a reasonable pace for a while knowing that it wasn’t going to be a particularly successful day. Things went from bad to worse at 35km when my quad gave out (probably due to adjusting from the hamstring) leaving me to hobble along the embankment and the last 7km. I was very glad to just get over the finish line in my slowest marathon time yet. On the plus side being forced to run more slowly certainly let me soak in the sights and incredible atmosphere despite being in quite a bit of pain. It was a beautiful day and one to remember. Thanks for all the encouragement from all who were there, it was much appreciated. I’ll have to go back and get things right another day!
David Hirst - Good for Age [3:03:11]
Training went well for what was my third London marathon. I certainly prefer training in the cold winter months as opposed to a hot summer, which leads me onto last Sunday.
I checked the weather forecast a few times and knew it was going to be a bit warmer than I was hoping for, but I didn’t quite factor in the impact of the heat enough in the first half of my run. I completed the first half in 1:25, but soon afterwards knew that this was too quick in the heat and I slowed down to make sure that I got to the end. Although the time was a few minutes outside what I was hoping for and a good few minutes slower than last year, I was pleased with how I dug in during the second half. The crowd were amazing (as always at London) and really helped, as were the various supporting Harriers and family on the route. It was really good to see Rich and Matt at the finish line (see photo) after what was a really tough day.
Rich Horsfall - Good for Age [3:01:27]
So 2025 was my third London Marathon race and my ninth marathon overall, my first one coming at the age of 43. I am inspired to keep going by my daughter Evie who runs for WCH and competes in Triathlon Super Series.
My training block had been solid if unspectacular! 1037.5 (to be precise 😃) miles covered. Fast approaching my 49th birthday, I have certainly noticed the zip has retired on me and my faster intervals aren’t quite as fast as they were. However, my metrics over the long and fatigue based stuff really stacked up well.
I had in my mind a 2.52, having been 2.55 twice before here. That was certainly my intention in the final weeks of prep.
So to the day…….
Now, I love running in the heat. I would always choose a midday run in 25 degree of sunshine if you gave me the choice. Perhaps not whilst going for a PB over 26.2 though! I started off really calmly and in real control, going out in 6.35 for the first mile.
By 5km though I already knew in my heart today’s conditions were not gonna lead to a PB. So I did something I’d never done before….
Got my phone out, and started doing some videoing and messaging people. I was chucking out High 5’s like they were going out of fashion. I bought into the experience like I’d never done before. And I bloody loved it!
It was great hearing shout outs from Steve N and Alex towards the end, and being able to share some finish line war stories with David H and Matt L. I still ran a 3.01.27 so not too shabby for a semi old boy.
When I got home I did feel a twinge of a missed opportunity. However, I then read a Strava comment on David Hirst's run about the recent sad passing of his friend. That made me appreciate the gift of the opportunity and experience I had just had!
LM 2026 anyone?!
Zak Hurrell (PB) - Good for Age [2:38:11]
Wow, the London Marathon was definitely a tough one this year. I had a great training block, setting a couple of personal bests and hitting all my big sessions on target pace, so I felt confident going into the race for a big PB.
The weather initially looked perfect, but as the race got closer, the forecast kept getting warmer. It ended up getting pretty warm from around 25-30 kilometres onwards, with large sections running straight into the sun. With lots of runners around me starting to fade or drop out, I tried my best to stick with my target pace and grind out the second half.
From halfway onwards, I passed around 150 runners and crossed the line with a new personal best of 2:38:11. Initially, I was a bit disappointed as it was a few minutes off what I wanted, but on reflection, I realised that many people suffered with the heat, so PB’s weren’t that common on the day. I’m pretty happy with my result and it’s made me hungry to get on and do another one.
The crowd support was absolutely crazy this year, from start to finish. My ears were even ringing in some places it was so loud! The support from my fellow team-mates all around the course was very much appreciated, so thanks to everyone who came and cheered us on.
Jeremy Linter (PB) - Good For Age [2:53:21]
Wow, what a day.
This was my third time running London, and after missing my goals previously, I was determined to make it count. Training had gone well after a tough race in Valencia last December — consistent mileage, strength work, and small tweaks to my running form helped me feel better prepared.
The goal was sub-2:50, but from the start it was clear the heat would be a major factor. I caught up with David Hirst in the start pen and again for the first mile, and his support helped settle the nerves — thanks, David! I decided early to run to heart rate rather than a strict pace to manage the conditions.
It felt tough from 10 miles as the heat built. There were moments when it would have been easy to back off, but the crowd, especially seeing other Wells runners out on the course, kept me moving. The final few miles were a battle, but running onto the Mall was an unforgettable experience.
I crossed the line in 2:53:21 — a PB but most of all a massive mental win. It wasn’t the time I had set out for, but on a day like that, I’m proud of how I handled it. I could have stopped so many times — but I didn’t.
If there’s one big lesson from this race, it’s that you can’t control the conditions — you can only control how you respond. And sometimes the wins you’re most proud of aren’t the ones that look perfect on paper, but the ones where you kept going when it would’ve been easier to stop.
I’m so grateful for the experience, for everyone who cheered, for my family being there with me and for the brilliant Wells support on the course — and for the chance to keep learning and improving.
Already looking forward to whatever comes next!
Matthew Lusby - Good for Age [3:04:09]
Matt ran his second consecutive London Marathon. Unfortunately he was one of the many who found the conditions tough and began cramping around the 26km mark. He still managed to cross the line in an impressive time, just shy of the sub 3 hour mark.
Victoria Ryan (First time - Marathon PB) - Good for Age [3:06:49]
When I moved from Canada to England less than two years ago I had never run a marathon and I had no intention of ever running one! Then I got intrigued by the possibility of running the London Marathon and my best chance of getting a place was to run a Good for Age time. In June last year I ran the Stockholm Marathon and got a time good enough for London 2025!
I had my coach Dave from Canada plan my training and we started building in November. It went well. I ran ~65 miles/-110km/week for the final 2-3 months and was lucky to avoid any major issues with injuries or setbacks.
Running the London Marathon was amazing! The weather was a bit too hot from the start, but the crowds were fantastic and the atmosphere electric! I was trying to soak in the experience and enjoy the moment as much as I could! I felt good but at 28km I started to really feel it and the last 7km was a struggle. It felt like I was crawling but I was determined not to walk. I remember being overtaken by a neon green lizard in the last mile! I saw many familiar Wells Harriers faces on the course which gave energy and an extra boost! I finally crossed the finish line in 3:06:49, a 21 minute PB!
Special thanks to Jonathan and Kathy Williams for water/gel support during the race. Jonathan also ran with me or supported me on bike during some training sessions, as did coach Jon James. A big shout out also to the Wednesday/Sunday Harrier groups! Training for, and running a marathon takes a village, so THANK you all!
When the soreness has settled, I'll start thinking of new goals. I'm not sure yet if they will include another marathon, but ask me again in a few months!
James Shaw (First Time - Marathon PB) [4:20:17]
2025 London Marathon, has been on my bucket list to run since I was a 14 year lad, when I remember first watching the London Marathon. Turn the clock 30 years and I have completed the goal in front such an incredible crowd. For me, my motivation was not necessarily to achieve a personal best time, but to inspire my daughters Poppy and Ruby, and to give myself some well needed mental and physical release from the demands of work / day to day life.
Training went pretty well (up until week 14). I followed the same 16 week plan that worked for me in 2022 (when I ran the Brighton Marathon running 3 hours 46 minutes). I ran 4 times a week building my long run up to 21 miles. This time I did suffer some niggles during week 15, with my calves, but after resting for 5 days and a sport massage I declared myself fit to take on the 26.2 miles.
The Race itself went well for the first 17 miles, maintaining an 8.00-08:30 min mile pace. One highlight was overtaking John Terry (ex England football captain) just before Tower Bridge. In the end the last 9 miles turned out to be real tough as the temperature continued to rise. I felt such emotion as I turned the final bend at Westminster bridge to see my family for one last time before the final stretch onto Buckingham palace.
It was an experience that will stick with me for the rest of my life, and I was so pleased to finish without injury and in a time of 4 hours 20 minutes.
Alex Williams (PB) - Club Ballot [4:06:07]
After the absolute delight of winning the Harriers ballot for the London Marathon 2025, I got straight into training.
I had a strong January and February despite the dark morning and evenings; the Wednesday group were my constant and kept me on track. I hit a minor stumbling block of a post-tibia injury in March when trying out my new race trainers, this did not deter me, after a little R&R and X-Training I found myself completing my longest run of the block not feeling awful 3 weeks out.
Race day came, along with its heat, nerves and excitement. I set off conservative with the adrenaline and slight decline helping me along. Concerned about the heat, I over compensated on fuelling and electrolytes, for the first time ever, knotting my stomach, but hard work, a positive mindset and focus saw that off.
My splits were spot on for 35/38k, the crowds were amazing, the heat nulled by the water cannons on the course and ice cubes on my head. Then the wall, with just 5k or so to go both legs cramped up, I slowed, stretched, visualised the finish and powered through.
I finished the run with a 32-minute PB of 04:06:07. Broken, walking like John Wayne and even more determined to break the 4 hour barrier.
Joshua White (First Time) - Main Ballot [3:51:44]
I signed up to the London Marathon on a bit of a whim a couple of days before entry into the ballot closed and ended up being lucky (or unlucky) enough to get a place. Having only done half marathons before, I realized this was going to be a huge step up. Thankfully I had Louisa and Nala by my side for a lot of the training as well as a lot of the other Harriers on many long run Sunday mornings.
I loosely followed a Ben Parkes training programme whereby I would run approximately 3 times a week and do some strength and conditioning twice a week. One of the most important realizations I had while training was the impact of nutrition. As the runs started getting longer I found myself unable to continue at any pace after 30K even when taking 6+ gels on the way round. Having made a concerted effort to eat as many carbs as possible (much to Louisa's disbelief) before my longest run of 37k the difference was huge. Thankfully no injuries or setbacks occurred and I was able to get to the start line in one piece.
As we all know it was a very hot day, but what I was not expecting was the degree of congestion. Perhaps I underestimated my finish time when I signed up, but the quickest pacer in my pen before starting was 4:15. I knew then that I would have a lot of overtaking and weaving to do but didn’t expect it to last almost the entire race.
Overall it was a good experience but if I'm honest given the training I put in I'm disappointed with the time. It certainly doesn’t seem like the race to do if you are trying to get the fastest time you can, which unfortunately means I'm going to have to do another…
News Reports
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this week’s report. If you’ve raced recently, please remember that we can only include your results if you send us a race report or photos to let us know about it. Send your race details and photos to
Dates For Your Diary
Here is a list of upcoming races, including WCH supported races, Somerset Series races, road relays, athletics league fixtures and other notable events. Contact club secretary Alexander Coombs if there is an event you would like adding. (SS = Somerset Series race)
May 2025
Saturday 10th May 2025 - Somerset AA Track & Field Championships (Day 1)
Sunday 11th May 2025 - Somerset AA Track & Field Championships (Day 2)
Sunday 11th May 2025 - Great Bristol Half Marathon and 10K
Wednesday 14th May 2025 - Yeovilton 5K (Race 2)
Sunday 18th May 2025 - BMC PB Classic, Millfield School
(SS) Wednesday 21st May 2025 - Town Tree Trail
(SS) Sunday 25th May - Wells Festival of Running (5K / (SS)10K)
Sunday 25th May 2025 - Halstead and Essex Marathon
Wednesday 28th May 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
June 2025
(SS) Sunday 1st June 2025 - Crewkerne 10K
Sunday 1st June 2025 - Tarrant Valley 10K
Wednesday 4th June - Club AGM (Venue TBC)
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2025 - U13/15/17 SEAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships (Venue TBC)
Sunday 8th June 2025 - Oke Croak!
Wednesday 11th June 2025 - - Yeovilton 5K (Race 3)
(SS) Wednesday 18th June 2025 - Brean Down Race
Sunday 22nd June 2025 - Longest Day 10K, Run the Ruins (Glastonbury Abbey)
(SS) Wednesday 25th June - Forde Abbey
Wednesday 25th June 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025 - U20/Senior SEAA Track and Field Outdoor Championships (Venue TBC)
July 2025
Saturday 5th July 2025 - Cotswold Way Relay
(SS) Sunday 6th July 2025 - Quantock Beast
Wednesday 9th July 2025 - - Yeovilton 5K (Race 4)
(SS) Sunday 13th July 2025 - Piddle Wood Plod
Sunday 13th July 2025 - Blackmore Vale Half Marathon
Wednesday 30th July 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
August 2025
(SS) Wednesday 6th August 2025 - Haslebury Trail
Wednesday 13th August 2025 - - Yeovilton 5K (Race 5)
(SS) Monday 25th August 2025 - Baltonsborough 5 Mile
Wednesday 27th August 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
September 2025
Wednesday 10th September 2025 - - Yeovilton 5K (Race 6)
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September 2025 - SEAA Fell Running Championships
(SS) Sunday 14th September 2025 - Burnham Half
Wednesday 24th September 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
Sunday 28th September 2025 - Black Nore 10K
October 2025
(SS) Sunday 5th October 2025 - Mother Tucker
Wednesday 8th October 2025 - Street 5K (Race 1)
(SS) Sunday 19th October 2025 - Herepath Half
(SS) Sunday 26th October 2025 - Mendip Muddle
Wednesday 29th October 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
November 2025
Wednesday 12th November 2025 - Street 5K (Race 2)
(SS) Sunday 23rd November 2025 - Brent Knoll
Wednesday 26th November 2025 - Club pub run (venue TBC)
December 2025
Wednesday 10th December 2025 - Street 5K (Race 3)