Team Kiwi London Marathon

The Runners

Welcome to Team Kiwi London Marathon

Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to run a marathon. Not everyone is born with the body to do so. Some people suffer an illness which means walking to the letter box is only but a dream. Some people through various circumstances simply can't afford it. Team Kiwi have selected 10 charities which support individuals who may never be able to run a marathon - yet many of these individuals live by sheer determination, setting themselves goals and milestones - living up to their own expectations.

Team Kiwi's 10 runners know all about these and more.  All experienced competitors, this group shared one single goal for London's 2009 Marathon - to raise as much money as they possibly could for their chosen charities.

A Very Happy Team Kiwi    


6 months ago over coffee in a Wellington cafe Team Kiwi was born. The idea was to run the London marathon for charity. John and Karl needed to find 8 other runners so the hunt was on. Pretty soon all 10 had been found, charities nominated, and Team Kiwi had been formed. Our goal was to reach $50,000.00, and as it stands today we have raised $51,000.00
 
The days leading up to Sunday’s marathon were warm. In fact, hot by London standards. It seemed as though every single person in London was out enjoying the sun, usually with a pint in hand at one of London's many fantastic pubs.
 
The London marathon is known as being the world’s greatest running race. Graham Turley was the only one in the group yet  to run  a marathon. Graham and John had a $100.00 bet on ‘first over the line’ so it's fair to say that useful advice for Graham on his debut was in short supply.
 
Marathon morning dawned and we were greeted with near summer conditions. Our coach picked us up at 7.00am for our 9.45am start. Close to 36,000 other runners and 1 million supporters joined us. The gun went and it was all on.
 
The scenery was amazing, however the highlight simply had to be the supporters. For 42km there was non-stop shouting, whistling, singing and clapping. We passed 12 pubs enroute and each had a band playing outside. There were also belly dancers, brass bands, Indian drummers, choirs and 1 million people to encourage you along the way.
 
The organisation of the race couldn't be faulted. It was simply brilliant. Drink stops were every kilometre or so, which was needed as temperatures reached the early 20's. Some of us even got sun burnt.
 
For the record the marathon was hard work. They always are. Due to a lack of training and injuries most of us found the last 10kms incredibly painful. First over the line was Todd who finished in 2.53, Karl finished in 3.24 and had to walk / shuffle the last 10km due to a torn calf. John ran 3.38 so took the $100 off Graham Turley who finished in 3.41. Graham Stuart ran 3.42 and Hugh Kettle 3.35. Tim Appleton also found the last 10km hard work and crossed in 3.37, 7 minutes behind him was Paul Clark. Alan ran 3.41 and Graeme McMillan crossed the line in 4.16.  
 
Within an hour or so we were all in the pub relaxing with a few quiet ales. Pain is temporary and the plan was put in place for New York in two years time. Team Kiwi lives on.
 
It's been a great 6 months  and we are delighted to have achieved our $50,000.00 charity goal. Thank you for your support. The website will be alive for the next two weeks at which time we'll charge your credit cards. Who knows, maybe we'll get up to $60,000.00

 

 

Each runner has a personal link to the charity they are raising money for. Help them to raise money and meet their targets with your donation. Thank you.