First of all, I would like to say a massive thank you for all the well-wishes and concern that have come flooding in over the past twenty four hours.

I can confirm that yes I did indeed run 3 hours and 49 minutes at the Virgin London Marathon yesterday. Though 3 hours and 49 minutes is no time to be sniffed at, the final time was a full hour down on what my training had suggested and well outside the personal best I had targeted.

I was well on course to meet my objective at halfway, going through the 13.1 mile mark in 1:26. Contrary to reports, the wheels did not come off and instead, at mile 14, first my hip and then fast-developing blisters started to play up. The blisters were so debilitating that I later went to the hospital where the doctor exclaimed they were the best/worst blisters he had ever seen and thus had to be drained!

I can confirm that yes I did ask the marshal where the nearest tube station was and did indeed, at that point, in agony, disappointment and delirium, consider dropping out. But the marshal, in hindsight, thankfully, was as much use as a chocolate teapot and henceforth I soldiered on.

I can also confirm that yes I did sit by the side of the road and cry my eyes out through the horrible pain and the bitter acknowledgement that the months of training were all flying right out the window. I was distraught. But thanks to the kind support and words of encouragement I received from Joe Public I rallied and decided that there was no way I wouldn’t at least finish the race, however long and through whatever methods it took to cross that damned line.

I was adamant I would not be the owner of a DNF and in the darkness reasoned that at least I wasn’t wearing myself out and would be back in action sooner rather than later.

I cannot confirm when that competitive return will take place and will be taking no further questions at this time.