Hares Make Their Mark at the TCS London Marathon

On 4 April three of our wonderful Hadleigh Hares stood ready to run the TCS London Marathon. In their own words this is what they had to say about the big day.

Firstly, Stuart Price

So that's the big one done for this year. Or could there be another one later?  What a great experience and one that I will cherish. I've applied for the TCS London Marathon more times than I can remember and 2025 was the year. I was over the moon to be offered a 'Good for age' place. With my result it looks like I'll be in with a chance again next year fingers crossed.

I was just short of a personal best and the target I set myself, but I'm not complaining. It was my second marathon and I guess I'm still learning. It's great to set goals, but anything can happen on the day. It's a privilege to even run a marathon!

Once again just want to say a big thank you to my wife and awesome girls for their support. Also, a big thank you to my Mum, Dad and sister. Thank you to John Scaife and Rachel's Bodsworth at mile 11. Thank you to Rory Hanley and Harriet around mile 23. Your support was felt and appreciated at the stage of the course!

Finally a big thank you to those who have kindly donated to my Justgiving page for MND. I'm closing in on £1000, which is just incredible!

Onwards and upwards, looking forward to my next challenge. All the very best everyone!

Here is how Kevin Carpenter described his day.

WOW, what a day at The 2025 TCS London Marathon!

 Just the most incredible day being cheered on by the most amazing crowd. The atmosphere was insane and at times gave me goosebumps. The run itself went as well as I could possibly hope (despite being just 9 seconds over my “GFA” Qualifying Time!!)

 Probably my proudest achievement in terms of executing a game plan that included getting so many things right including consistent pacing, nutrition and hydration thanks to the help and advice from Mat Blacoe.

 Had to dig deep coming out of Canary Wharf, but managed to find a second wind knowing my friends and family weren’t far away along The Embankment. Running past my family and friends at mile 25 gave me the boost I needed to push on and finish strong to cross the finish line in a respectable 3:07:09.

 I was running for a Disabled Children’s Charity Caudwell Children. The charity offered me a place having missed out like so many trying to get lucky with a ballot place. My fundraising has been incredible with so much support coming from my home Golf Club, Hintlesham GC with my total currently sitting at just over £3,000.

 I can’t wait for next year, to do all over again…

And finally, Julia Bilotta.

Gaining a ballot place in the 2025 London Marathon came as a big shock having never run a marathon before. My first thought was I can’t do it, I won’t tell anyone but of course I did and a year later I was lining up in Blackheath waiting to start, the 4th hottest London Marathon on record.

We had had warning from public health officials that due to the heat we should take care to ensure we were well hydrated and to slow our pace.

My pre race training had gone well and I had the confidence to know if I took it steady I could do it if I listened to my body. I just wanted to complete the course in one piece. The first 10 miles went well but I knew that soon it would become more difficult however at Tower Bridge I saw my family. Tears welled up and it was so good to see them waiting for me. It was the boost I needed. A couple of miles on I had to stop at a first aid station to sort out a sore toe but soon I was back on track.

At mile 16 the heat was increasing and I was finding it tough but at that time a phone call came through from my amazing friend Geraldine who gave me good talking to and told me to get on with it. I kept steady and took regular gels and water - the miles passed and the crowds were amazing. Yet more tears and spiralling emotions, passing people who had collapsed. My whole body was hurting but I just kept going.

The last 4 plus miles were a blur but strangely I felt strong knowing I would be crossing the line soon. I passed Buckingham Palace and came into the Mall and then there I saw my family shouting and waving from the grandstand. It was the best feeling knowing they were there watching me run over the finishing line and then, I knew it was over - I had done it. I’d run the London Marathon and had the medal to prove it.

We are so proud of our marathon runners and what they have achieved. Congratulations to all!