Marathon Day 16, Thursday 31st March - London, Horseguards Parade

In the cold light of day, the parade ground and Barracks looked even more dramatic. Barry went in search of someone to open the more sensible exit gate, directly on to Bird Cage Walk.

Waiting at the gate!!

We travelled the short distance down Bird Cage Walk onto Horseguards and waited whilst the underside of the vehicle was checked (for explosives, presumably) before the barrier was lifted and we were allowed to drive on to Horseguards Parade. It really felt special!

The vehicle pass - how sad am I!!

Positioned the RV in it's allocated space and quickly set up in time for everyone else to arrive. Andy and Sophie's arrival was delayed by security personnel who wanted to take their car apart! They were eventually cleared through and race preparations began in earnest! 

We also had time for a team photo.

Team66

Andy had several other runners with him for for the full distance today including Michael who had run yesterday and who had been working until 11pm last night!

On your marks . . . . .

Because the route was to keep Andy away from Horseguards until he finished, we used the time to catch up on paperwork and Sophie manned the halfway station with appropriate sustenance and counselling for Andy.

During the race . . . . . disaster for us - the Timer repeater display blew over in a strong gust of wind rendering 1 side of the display u/s!! Don't think that here is anything that we can do about it but will contact ECM Systems, who kindly supplied the unit to us, for their advice.

Over the finish line at last , , , , , ,

. . . and pose for a photograph

The race finished, Andy and Sophie set off on their journey to Canterbury where tomorrows marathon is to be run.  Nikki and I delayed the start of our journey until after 7pm to allow the traffic to die down a little. 

The RV in all it's splendour on Horseguards Parade

At Canterbury, accommodation was booked at Howfield Manor and it was our intention to park the RV overnight at tomorrows marathon venue but in the event, this proved unsuitable and we were accommodated in the hotel car park.

Just time then to prepare and cook stuffed chicken for the team (quorn fillets for Sophie) before retiring for the night.

Benji's Blog

Hello my Angel

How are you today?

Mummy will have told you that we've been very near to Buckingham Palace today where the Queen lives.  We parked on a big square called Horseguard's Parade which is where all the Queen's horse soldiers exercise and practice all the things they need to do on special Royal occasions.  The soldiers all wear tall, pointed shiny helmets with coloured plumes.

What beautiful horses. They keep very still!

Uncle Andy did a good race today but is a little bit tired. But he'll be alright tomorrow, after a good night's sleep.

I hope you like the pictures that I do for you. 

God Bless little one and I will talk to you soon.

Love you

Daddy XXXX .