24/04/2023

When you cannot run anymore with your legs, run with your heart

The enclosed photo below was taken at the London Marathon on 23rd April 2023 around 7:34pm.

The name of the runner is Tom Durnin who completed his run in a reported 8 hours, 10 minutes and 58 seconds.

Tom was the very last person to cross the finish line.

Whilst lots of participants had already finished and long gone and even left the capital, or were even laying in a deep bath filled with lbs of Epsom Salts, Tom Durnin was still out there in the rain.  He was putting one foot in front of another, doing his absolute best to put his heart, body and soul into reaching his goal and the finish line.

As the crowds cheered, applauded, smiled, wept, they waited with the volunteers in the pouring rain, patiently – to cheer as the lady reached up and the medal she held in her hands, was placed gently over his head and he duly smiled for the photographers.

It was clear he was in a lot of pain as he got nearer to the finish, but he was raising money for The Bone Cancer Research Trust and he refused to back down.  There was no way that he was not going to finish.  You can see it in his face and the videos from the news.   It is pure grit.  Determination.  Pain.  Relief.  Agony. Deserved elation.

The official Twitter account for the event wrote: “One of the greatest moments of every London Marathon – your 2023 final finisher. We’re in awe of your determination to finish what you started.”

Whether you want to run or walk 10 meters, 100 meters, 5k, 10k, half marathon or even 26.2 miles or further, it all starts with the same thing for all of us.  A single step.  Whether you have the pace and speed of Kelvin Kiptum, the incredible ability of Sifan Hassan (who stopped twice in her run to stretch her hip and then won the women’s event!) or the pure grit and dedication of Tom Durnin, it was all about the distance.  Every single person that crossed the finish line completed the exact same distance, irrespective of the time it took them.

It is all about putting one foot in front of the other and finishing what you start. It is not always about the time.  It is about digging in, pushing through the pain, enjoying the journey and being proud of what you achieved.  Pain is temporary, but the pride, oh how that pride lasts forever.

We all have to start somewhere and in doing so, we focus and concentrate on the goal that we set yourselves and with a positive mindset and guidance, everything is possible.  

VOYAC is an all inclusive club.  We welcome everyone, irrespective of your ability.  That means everyone.  We will take you from couch to 5k, through to your 1st parkrun and beyond.  We have classes for everyone and we give back to the community.   When you complete your first or 100th parkrun at Selby (Burn Airfield), make sure you remember, the winners of the marathon in London, Boston or other major events – none of them have ever beaten you at Selby parkrun and none of them have worn the VOYAC vest!

As Eluid Kipchoge said “No human is limited” and even though Tom was the last person to cross the finish line in London, he never quit, he never backed down and he completed his journey at the pace he was comfortable with. .

Just get up, dress up, lace up and show up and get started.  When you no feel that you can no longer run or walk with your legs, finish what you set out to do, with your heart.

You are incredible.

Kev

Featured Image Credit: Twitter/London Marathon