Mark makes it to the finish
Last year Mark Swallow collapsed with heat exhaustion 25 miles into the London Marathon. But this year the Montgomery runner kept his cool despite it being the hottest on record.
As the temperature soared to 23C Mark learnt from his previous experience, doused himself with water and made it to the finish line in four hours and 44 minutes while raising a magnificent £2,100 for Barnardo’s Cymru.
"The first three miles felt very hot but closer to the river there was a bit of a breeze. I had learnt coping techniques so although it was hotter this year the heat didn’t affect me so much.
“I still felt pretty drained and if anything the race was harder this year because a lot of people were walking and that made it difficult to keep up my own optimum pace but I was determined to make it this year,” said Mark, 43, who works in insurance.
He was cheered on by his wife Lucy who had been concerned by the forecast of hot weather and kept the rest of the family informed of Mark’s progress.
“The main thing is that I managed to raise almost £2,100 for Barnardo’s Cymru thanks to my employers, Willis Towers Watson, doubling the money,” said Mark.
“I wanted to run for Barnardo’s because I’ve always been a keen supporter of children’s charities. I always felt loved and safe as a child but there are many children who don’t,” he said.
Sarah Crawley, Director of Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “We are very proud of Mark, to come back after the disappointment of last year took some courage and he was running in very difficult conditions. The money he raised will help some of our most vulnerable children, young people and families and we are very grateful.”
You can support Mark at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkSwallow3
