Runners mix it with the Masai warriors!
TWO local men are enjoying a well-earned spell of recuperation after their sub four hour London marathon times at the weekend.
In recent weeks Brechiner readers will have read the separate tales of Steven Grieve and Brian McLaughlin, who were running the epic 26 mile race to raise funds for a couple of much deserving charities.
And the two men both did themselves proud with good times and some cracking fundraising efforts.
Steven took on the epic race after he was inspired by the story of little Brooke Moir and her battle with Crohn's Disease. He certainly ran his heart out on the day - crossing the line in a very strong time of three hours 43 minutes, having raised around 800, and counting.
"The race went hunky dory," he said, speaking to the Brechiner on Monday. "It went great and was a fantastic day. There were 1000s of people at the start and there was a fantastic atmosphere.
"Every inch of whole route spectators were standing six deep and every pub I went passed was chock full. There were pipe bands, steel bands and raggae bands all along it.
"It was just a superb day. I ran all the way but couldn't have really gone another yard after that. I ran around the three hour 43 minute mark and my target was to get under three hours 45 minutes so I was chuffed.
"As soon as I crossed the line every muscle seized up and I could barely hobble but to keep pace all the way round and finish under my target was fine.
"The bonus was coming down the Mall to hear a man on tannoy say that celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was just coming into the Mall - so I beat him.
"The money I raised was around the 640 when I left but I know the Round Table has pledged 50 and there are a few other donations still to come in.
"So I would imagine the sum will be getting on for 750 to 800. That's a fantastic response in my eyes, but people can donate for another three months. Anybody who wants to make donation off the back of my race can still do so," he added.
Those looking to donate can phone (01356) 624 813 or visit www.justgiving.com/stevengrieve.
Fellow marathon runner Brian McLaughlin also came in under four hours, and just a few minutes behind Steven.
Running to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind, Brian finished in a time of three hours 53 minutes, just 12 minutes outside his personal best.
What's more his Herculean efforts have helped to raise around 2500 for the local cause.
"The marathon was very hard and cold and I didn't run quite as well as I hoped. I'd hoped to beat my personal best but around the 10 mile point it started to rain and was freezing cold and slowed everything down for me.
"Three miles after that it got better but by then the damage was done.
"But the fundraising is going very, very well. I'm still waiting on final confirmation but I think I may have received another 2000 to take my total up to 2500," he added.
Among the highlights of the race for Brian was the time when he passed the Masai warriors taking time out from life in Africa to raise funds for their local community. The group received much coverage in the media ahead of the race and made for a striking site as Brian ran by them.
"It was quite strange seeing them," he continued. "They were running along with their spears and shields and dancing for the crowds. "I didn't see a lot of other celebrities though but it was good to see the many costumes that people were wearing - I don't know how they can do it in those costumes to be honest."
Brian's many fundraising efforts haven't ended yet, however. In just a few weeks he will be embarking on the maggie's Monster bash, which is made up of a 30 mile cycle and 40 mile walk.
And his sons have both put their names into the ballot for next year's London Marathon and, if successful, the trio will likely be pounding the streets of the capital this time next year.
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Weather for Brechin
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 1 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 3 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
