Marathon was not only a one-horse race

P20 pic lead

By MATT ELEY

matt.eley@evening.star.co.uk

RUNNING the London Marathon may well be nothing more now than a (painful) memory for some.

But the agony lingered for two brave joggers who put in a final canter at Town's ground – dressed as the mascot horse.

The club's marketing and new media manager Kevin Allton was supposed to be running the 26-miles with Ipswich Town finance director Mike Cooper.

However a late injury forced Mr Cooper to withdraw and he was replaced by Jaffa jogger Tim Hazelwood.

The men, dressed as a the famous Ipswich Town horse, completed the race in five hours and seven minutes – raising £3,000 for Ipswich Town's 30 designated charities.

At Wednesday's home game against Middlesbrough at Portman Road they did a lap of honour.

Another participant, Richard Wallington is back at work after running the marathon – an event he said was the most memorable in his life.

"I finished in four hours six minutes and three seconds," laughed the 32-year-old of Tasmania Road, Ipswich.

"It was amazing the crowd really keep you going and supported you all the way. I saw some incredible sights like a man with two artificial legs who was running. I saw him at Canary Wharf at about 17 miles so I patted him on the back as I went past.

"He did say something but I could not make it out. I think he was just concentrating too hard on getting through. Also the blind runners were incredible. They were tied to a guide runner but it still must be daunting," he said.

Mr Wallington ran to raise money for Cancer Research UK and said he has already broken his target.

"I aimed to raise £1,000 but I have already got to £1,200 and the money is still coming in. This was my first marathon and I can safely say it will be my last. "The day was brilliant but it was extremely hard work and nothing can really prepare you for it. I take my hat off to anyone who runs every year and people who run incredible times," he added.

Jaffa jogger Keith Woodgate also completed the gruelling 26-miles, passing former boxing champion Frank Bruno with just 500 metres to go.

The Ipswich man, who at over 40 is classed as a veteran, completed the course in four hours and 40 minutes and raised £300 for Cancer Research.

He said he will attempt to improve that time when he takes part in the New York Marathon with his wife in November.