Celtic Engagement Rings

Ireland Scarf

Ireland Scarf

A Marathon Achievement - Or Physical And Mental Hell?

At 9.00 am last Sunday morning around 35,000 pairs of trainers prepared to pound the capital's streets in the Flora London Marathon.

At the same time, millions of people across 150 countries turned on their televisions, settled back with a cup of coffee and remain glued to the screen for the next three or four hours.

Why do so many people choose to put themselves through 26 miles 385 yards of physical and mental hell? And why do we want to watch them do it?

The first London Marathon took place in 1981, the result of a pub conversation over a few pints of bitter and the experience of the late Chris Brasher who had just run the New York City Marathon.

Brasher, an athlete and sports journalist, asked himself if London could host such a race: "We have the course . . . but do we have the heart and hospitality to welcome the world?"

Today the scale and success of one of the country's most anticipated annual sporting events would give Brasher his answer. The London Marathon is a winning combination of spectacular setting and human drama.

The bobbing, multi-coloured ribbon of people weaves its way through some of London's most iconic sites and outstanding architecture. Greenwich, Canary Wharf and Docklands, the City, the River Thames, Tower Bridge, the Embankment, Parliament Square, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and The Mall provide a suitably dramatic and beautiful backdrop to the stories of the thousands of individuals involved.

This year, 92,000 hopefuls applied for a starting place on Blackheath. We're all impressed by the elite runners and wheelchair athletes with their two hour sprints along the course, but let's face it, we're much more interested in the real people.

These are the people who've spent months abstaining from booze and cakes, fundraising for their special charity and punishing themselves in training - all whilst holding down their normal job and home life. Applicants this year included 83 taxi drivers, 2,148 teachers, 383 secretaries, 95 pharmacists, 97 film makers, 586 builders and 405 accountants.

The youngest individuals who took part in this year's race were Jonathan Smith and Siobhan Besford, both 18 years. The oldest were Buster Martin, aged 101 and Iva Barr, aged 80. Buster gained notoriety last year as a senior hero, for both refusing to take his 100th birthday off work and fending off a group of young attackers. He has since joined a band, The Zimmers, and become an agony uncle for lads' mag, FHM.

Runners from Great Britain and Northern Ireland always make up the majority of participants in the London Marathon, with around 50 other countries represented.

Many runners hope to break other records as well as their personal bests. The Guinness World Records for running the marathon dressed as Elvis, on stilts, whilst knitting a scarf or carrying a coal bag were all up for grabs last Sunday.

The marathon is all about the strength of the human spirit and our ability to triumph over adversity. That's why we are so touched by the stories of those running in honour of family or friends and the charities that have supported them.

We also love the men and women for whom one straightforward marathon just isn't enough: those who run five consecutive races or run the marathon course backwards in the early hours of the morning and then start with everyone else to run it again, forwards the second time; and those 25 Metropolitan Police Officers who run together in a chain.

Another of the highlights of the London Marathon is the sight of some of our celebrities slogging it out on the city streets. Floella Benjamin OBE and world-renowned chef Michel Roux have both run 10 London Marathons; James Cracknell, Olympic rower and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey are both event regulars.

Unlike many other sporting events, there is a special relationship between the participants and spectators. The athletes and the crowd interact, working together to lift the spirits of ailing runners and urge them on to the finishing line. Veterans of the endurance race say there is nothing like hearing your name being shouted to inspire you.

Of 36,396 starters last year, 35,694 were inspired to finish. More than 34,000 runners finished this year. Completion times over the years range from two hours five minutes 15 seconds to seven days. And it seems that the marathon is addictive to both viewers and participants alike, with thousands applying year after year, despite vowing 'never again!' as they cross the finish line.

In addition to raising cash, increasing awareness of charitable causes and promoting running as a sport, the marathon is also responsible for boosting the British tourist industry. The London Marathon attracts runners from around the world and also showcases our capital city to a global television audience. Some London hotels run special marathon deals and many participants stay at Heathrow airport hotels.

Since 2006 the London event has been part of the World Marathon Majors, a series of races which includes the world's five biggest city marathons: Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.

The 100th anniversary of the Olympic Marathon will be marked officially at the Beijing Olympics.

About the Author

Max Clarke is a first-time parent and part-time copywriter for holiday services company, Holiday Extras, writing about travel and Heathrow airport hotels.

Fields of Ireland Mohair Scarf $59.99 The colors in this scarf are inspired by the many shades of green in the Irish countryside, along with the fields of heather. Luxurious mohair and wool scarf. Ireland. 8 x 68.

Lambswool Plaid Scarf $39.99 A wonderfully soft scarf from John Hanly, Ireland. Perfect for men and women in a plaid that is so popular. 12 x 54.

Women's Shamrock Scarf $19.99 Dazzling shamrocks sweep across this polyester scarf. Designed in Ireland. 54 x 12 1/2.

Celtic Scarf with Fringe $39.99 Inspired by the colors of the Irish countryside, this versatile scarf will be a true eye catcher. 100% acrylic. Ireland. 70 x 12.

Ireland $6 Ireland

Turquoise Scarf $24.99 A fashionable woven Celtic shawl in a lovely shade of blue and in a soft to the touch silky blend. Ireland. 80% cotton 20% silk. 27 x 72?.

Guinness Knit Scarf $29.99 Celebrate the legendary brew with this cold-weather classic. Designed in Ireland and embroidered with the Guinness harp logo. The scarf is made of soft 100% acrylic. SORRY, CAP IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Irish Aran Hat and Scarf Set $68 Made in Ireland from pure merino wool.

Enchanted Forest Silk Scarf by Patrick Francis $39.99 An interplay of colors and shades of color creates an unforgettably lovely scarf in sophisticated 100% silk. 12 x 56 Ireland.

Navy Blue Shamrock Scarf $34.99 This iconic shamrock design in navy and green has been one of the most popular classic accessories from Ireland for many, many years. 12 x 55?.

Dublin, Ireland Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90 Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Ireland Funny Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Ireland t-shirts with an Irish shamrock with Ireland across it. Show you love of Ireland and the Irish with our cool green Ireland t-shirt. Funny Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

The Scarf $49.99 The Scarf - Giclee Print

Scarf Jack (DVD) $15.43 A 1978 novel by Irish author P.J. Kavanagh was the source for the swashbuckling British miniseriesSCARF JACK. The story took place in 1795, when a rebel movement arose in Ireland to expunge the occupying British landowners. The title character was a mysterious figure who swooped down from nowhere to rescue various and sundry Irish citizens from the tyrannical excesses of the British. Things shifted into gear when an innocent traveller named Francis Place found himself unwittingly assisting Scarf Jack and his fellow rebels. Cast List: Richard Greene , Roy Boyd , Simon Cuff Running Time: 151 min

Ireland forever hooded sweatshirt Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $48 Ireland forever with shamrock on front in Gaelic. Irish Power rocker with shamrock on back. Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Belfast, Ireland Coat of Arm Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Belfast, Ireland Casual Apparel Gifts. T-shirts, sweatshirts, Made in America Organic Cotton T-shirts. Featuring the Belfast Coat of Arms. Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Irish flag Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Wear the flag of Ireland with pride with these great t-shirts and products. These Ireland products make gifts to your Irish friends and family Ireland Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

I Love Ireland Irish Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 I Love Ireland with a green shamrock, instead of the red heart, and black letters. I shamrock Ireland Show your love of Ireland on St. Patty's Day or any day. Get your Irish on, it's St. Pat's Irish Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Ireland Flag Irish Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Ireland Flag, proudly displaying the green, white,, and orange colors of the Irish flag with Ireland in black letters. A great design for anyone from Ireland or to show their heritage. Irish Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

Ireland Shamrock Irish Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Ireland, in green lettering with a green shamrock. Whether you are Irish, from Ireland, or just love Ireland, this makes a great t-shirt. Get your Irish on, St. Paddy's Day is coming. Irish Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

I'd rather be in Ireland Irish Hooded Sweatshirt by CafePress $45 Visit www.cafepress.com/foodshirts for more I'd rather be in Ireland shirts,I'd rather be in Ireland t shirts,job and office mugs, hats,stickers, pins and many more I'd rather be in Ireland clothing Irish Hooded Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The hoodie: the perfect utilitarian piece of clothing. Leave your hat and scarf at home Stay warm and comfy in your Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt. This hoodie is constructed with a cotton/polyester blend - both durable and comfortable.Heavyweight 90

This entry was posted on Friday, February 4th, 2011 at 1:00 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.