Anthony runs a Marathon

Greenwich: runners self-embrocating on the grass; comedy queues for the loos; skips filling up with empty water bottles, vaseline pots and tatty fleeces;

The Start: cheers as the Rhinos and Camels saunter by; grunts for the backpack squaddies; waves at the overhead choppers; Geordie DJs making Geordie 'jokes';

We're off - relaxed through Charlton and Woolwich; pub crooners schmaltzing us in the early morning sun; nods and winks from saucy housewives; sovereign rings clutching lagers;

Balcony parties; Oggy! Oggy! Oggy!; desperate loo break at 4 miles (nerves or water-overload?) then a belt to catch up my mate Nick and the 11 mile Pacer.

Greenwich on my lonesome; first sign of the TV jibs; have I blown it by pushing too soon?

Catch them up in Deptford then into the groove; water bottles skitter to the kerb; we follow Pacer Mike through the showers;

Mile arches come and go; 10 and 15k timing mats; school choirs and Morris Dancers;

Tower Bridge! conquering heroes at 12 miles! Nearly half way and across the river into the Big Time!

13, 14 miles, (Mum screams out, shocking me silly) then into the Isle of Dogs: streets narrow; oranges and chocolate on offer; pipe bands and piped Spandau Ballet;

The Pacer pulls away and we pull back; carbo gels every 5 miles now and water every mile - skitter, splash.

No sign of my son at Mudchute, but maybe Canary Wharf?

No, oh well( the bugger) - 18, 19 - uncharted territory - the last 7.

Crowds huge now. The Monument glistens gold against blue; big toe blister inflates like water balloon.

Nick eases off a gnat's; should I stay or should I go?

Tower Bridge; stick to Pacer Mike and into the Blackfriars Underpass; refugees stretching out on both sides;

Then up and out of the dark into the lap of honour -

Waterloo Bridge, The Eye, the City at our feet, sunglasses off to make eye contact (great tip, Pacer Mike)

Embankment over all too soon, then Birdcage Walk; friendly faces at last;

Secret smile with 600 metres to go -

Round the corner and the Pearly Gates; over the line with Pacer Mike - 4:48:46. Exactly 11.00 mins/mile.

The batteries pop out the back and it's caliper legs for the rest of the day.