London Marathon 2007

The AGSD was incredibly lucky to have three runners in the 2007 London Marathon. It turned out to be an unseasonably hot day and many runners were badly affected by the heat, but our three all made it! Our thanks to them for their fantastic efforts, and of course to all those who supported and sponsored them. Here are some personal memories of the day.

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Luca Venditto

Well... I did it! It got me to the end thinking about all my sponsors, even when at 23 miles I could hardly go on. Crossed the finish line in just under 5 hours. What a day. I'm proud to have been a part of such an amazing event, and more importantly, to have raised so much for AGSD.

(Luca ran in the place awarded to AGSD under the London Marathon's 'Silver Bond' scheme for charities, and raised over £5,000.)

Photo: After 26.2 miles... Luca (on left) and Judd.

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James Clarke

I ran the race in 3hrs 55mins 44secs. A little slower than I was aiming for but as the temperature was approaching 30 degrees it was a great time. I have to say it was the hardest thing I have ever done. Full stop!! The Team Clarke supporters on the day were quite amazing. There were banners, T-shirts, good luck messages, shouting, standing in shopping trollies?!

I was in the hospital tent for an hour after the race due to running through the 'Wall' at 25 miles - when your body has run out of all its glycogen and there is no energy left to do anything. I walked the final 400 yards. I don't remember crossing the line as I promptly fainted! It took me two days to start walking more than a few metres without feeling knackered.

The race itself is one crazy event, 26.2 miles is literally miles! It seemed like an eternity out there. So, to my future in marathon racing - there isn't one!! Seriously though, I am just ecstatic that I got a medal, finished and don't have to do it again. Thanks to my sponsors I raised over £6,000!

Photos: 24 miles and looking good; and "Never Again!!"

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Gary Baker

I have dreamed of doing the London Marathon for many, many years. And, after three years of “We’re sorry to say your application has been unsuccessful this time,” I have finally obtained a place. I have made my decision (although not a difficult one) to run for AGSD.

My sister Claire (now 17) was diagnosed with Glycogen Storage Disease Type 1b from birth. AGSD have been nothing short of brilliant throughout, and I now want to give something back to them by raising money for their charity whilst running the London Marathon. I hope to raise as much as possible.

(Gary successfully completed the marathon in 4hrs 25mins and 25secs.)