What a whirlwind of a day, etched in my memory as an experience to treasure forever. It began with the excitement of joining the Adventure Time Travel group, a diverse gathering of marathon enthusiasts from across Australia, all converging on London for the renowned TCS London Marathon. Despite facing a barrage of obstacles – from cancelled flights to lost luggage due to the turmoil in the Middle East – our group remained resilient, turning challenges into opportunities for camaraderie and solidarity.

The days leading up to the marathon were a flurry of activity as we navigated the unexpected twists and turns of our journey. With some of our team members stranded in Dubai overnight and others scrambling to find replacement gear at the last minute, the sense of uncertainty hung in the air. Yet, amidst the chaos, there was a palpable sense of unity as we banded together, lending support and encouragement to one another.

On the morning of the marathon, as we boarded our private coach bound for Greenwich, the anticipation was palpable. Despite the brisk weather, the sun peeked through the clouds, promising a perfect day for the race ahead. We found refuge in a cozy coffee shop, sharing laughs and nervous chatter as we prepared ourselves mentally for the challenge ahead.

The organisation of the TCS London Marathon was impeccable, with clear signage and helpful volunteers guiding us every step of the way. As we lined up in our designated colour zones, strangers became comrades, united by a common goal and a shared sense of purpose.

For me, the marathon held special significance as I ran alongside my husband, Nick. Despite battling injury and illness in the weeks leading up to the race, we were determined to tackle the challenge together. Setting off in the Red Wave, we embarked on our marathon journey, buoyed by the cheers of supporters lining the route.

The first half of the race was exhilarating, with adrenaline fuelling our stride and the iconic landmarks of London providing a stunning backdrop. However, as the miles wore on, Nick’s illness began to take its toll, and the going got tough. Yet, we refused to let adversity dampen our spirits, drawing strength from each other and the unwavering support of the crowd.

As we crossed the halfway mark at the majestic Tower Bridge, our resolve was tested, but our determination never wavered. With each step, we leaned on each other, pushing through the pain and fatigue, fuelled by the collective energy of the marathon experience.

The route winds through the historic streets of London, offering a stunning blend of iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

From the starting point at Greenwich, runners are treated to picturesque views along the River Thames, with the majestic Cutty Sark and Greenwich Park providing a scenic backdrop. As we made our way through the city, the course took us past famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace, each steeped in centuries of history and culture.

But it wasn’t just the landmarks that made the course memorable; it was also the incredible atmosphere created by the enthusiastic crowds lining the streets. Supporters cheered us on every step of the way, their energy infectious and their encouragement uplifting.

And finally, as we approached the finish line on The Mall, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. Surrounded by fellow runners and the iconic backdrop of Buckingham Palace, we crossed the finish line hand in hand, united in our triumph.

The course of the TCS London Marathon is not just a route; it’s a journey through the heart and soul of one of the world’s greatest cities. And as we reflect on our marathon experience, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to run this unforgettable course and create lasting memories along the way.

And as we finally crossed the finish line, hand in hand, a wave of emotion washed over us. The sense of accomplishment was overwhelming, a testament to our resilience and determination to never give up. In that moment, surrounded by fellow runners and the roar of the crowd, we knew that we had achieved something truly remarkable.

We are so thankful to the supporters of the Adventure Time Travel team – who came together as a team and supported us through the race – they themselves ran their own marathon and also had a wonderful day – all of them agreeing that they did not expect it to be so wonderful!

The evening of the marathon the Adventure Time Travel team celebrated together over dinner, everyone sharing their stories, and the night was quite emotional. With the common agreement being that we had all experienced something very special, something that was extremely unique. We had been bonded together by a very special moment in time!

Overall, the Adventure Time Travel team had so many wonderful stories to share. Many personal bests were achieved, obstacles were overcome, and those that had a harder day still basked in the incredible event London put on for us!

The colour, the magic, the teams who were fundraising, the dress-ups made for a real spectacle – we all agreed we had experienced something really BIG: the world coming together with a common purpose. So much positivity and so much wonderful energy – truly electric!

Looking back on the journey, the memories of that day will forever hold a special place in my heart. It was a day of triumph over adversity, of unity in the face of challenges, and of the incredible power of the human spirit. And as we basked in the glow of our achievement, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the shared experience and the bonds forged along the way.