Paul Sharp. Holywell. Flintshire. This is the story

It was last New Year’s Eve, having had copious amounts of beer, that the plan was hatched to go to , run the marathon and raise lots of money for charity. Here, you had three blokes, better suited to standing at the bar with a beer in hand than run a marathon!

We arrived in on Friday the 30^th October, dropped our suit cases at the hotel and went to register and collect our marathon packs. We were aware that over forty two thousand people would be doing exactly the same thing and thought it would take hours, but how wrong we were. I can only say that the organisation was exemplary.  We breezed through a great hall and came out the other side loaded with information and goodies and in no time, we were doing what we do best, yes, at the bar with a beer in hand!

On Saturday, we participated in a warm up run from the United Nations building. Thousands turned up to take part, all flying their respective Country’s flag or wearing them draped over their shoulders like us. The atmosphere was electric and even though it was only a fun run ending up in , New Yorkers and supporters all lined the roads to cheer and wave. At the end of the run, we were back to what we do best, you guessed it, beers!

That night was pasta party night in for all runners, and as before, despite the thousands of people attending, we waited no longer than ten minutes and were presented with goodies and a whatever-size-you-want meal, live entertainment and a fantastic friendly atmosphere.  It was to be an early night before the big day, although we did have a quick pint of Guinness at the Irish bar on the walk back to our hotel for medicinal purposes to help us sleep, of course!

Our big day arrived! On Sunday 1^st November at 5 o’clock in the morning, we were transported by free bus to Staten Island, over the to the marathon start line. On arrival, all the runners moved slowly to their respective channels towards the start line, speeches were made and the star spangled banner sung. There was a fantastic air of excitement and enthusiasm as people limbered up, awaiting the cannon to go off.

We had been advised to take some old clothing that could be disposed to keep warm while waiting to start the marathon. “Boom!” the cannon fires and it literally rains clothes, as people abandon them to cross the start line!  My two fellow runners, Paul Islip and Stuey Davies, laugh like mad as they have visions of me crossing the line with a bundle of abandoned track suits tucked under each arm!

Running over the bridge from Staten Island heading for was an experience. You got to feel the magnitude of the whole race surrounded by people of all shapes and sizes, nationalities and ages, some in fancy dress, some with missing limbs, running for charities, clubs, various causes or just for the hell of doing it!

Running through set the scene for the whole race. Bands were playing on the pavement literally every half mile or so, entertaining the runners and crowds who lined the roads. This took the form of children in brass bands playing outside their respective churches, choirs, professional groups, solo singers, karaoke singers, Japanese drum players and Chinese bands in traditional dress to name a few. The enthusiasm from the hundreds of thousands of people in the crowd was unbelievable with cheers and shouts of encouragement all along the way. There were streamers, balloons, bells, whistles, bugles and some amusing signs and banners!

On the final leg of our journey, we ran through the . The crowds of well wishers continued, all wanting a ‘high five’ or a hand shake as you passed and further funny signs with messages like ‘Run like you stole something!’

Crossing the final bridge into , the streets were even busier and the crowds unbelievably more boisterous, enthusiastic and encouraging. “Come on Sharpy!” a voice boomed out, “keep going! Don’t give up!” It must an organiser from the charity that I am running for, I thought, or how else would he know me? Then lots of voices shouting, “Come on Sharpy!” I felt quite buoyed up and famous! Having run this far, you tend to forget the simple things like having your nickname printed across the top of your T shirt!

Finally, into and the finish line, having run through a range of emotions and pain! I crossed over what I thought was the finish line at 26 miles with my arms in the air and slowing down to a stop, a voice boomed out, “What are you doing Sharpy? Keep going man, the medal is nearly yours, go get it, God speed!” I now saw the proper finish line 200 yards in front of me and took off like a character from Monte Python’s funny walk sketches to cross the finish line. Paul, Stuey and I completed the marathon in what we prior to the race set out to do, 4 hours and 30 minutes give or take a few minutes, at that pace it gave us opportunity to take in all the many sights, and enjoy the whole experience. It did not take long for us all to do what we do best, get the beers in!

It was a fantastic adventure and one that I would recommend. On our journey, we raised around £10,000 between us towards our charity ‘Get Kids Going’, a charity set up by Sebastion Coe to provide disabled children with the opportunity to participate in sporting activities and a further £3,000 for St Kentigerns Hospice.

For now, it’s back to the bar to see what other mad ideas we can come up with!

But Still please remember

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My Very Best Regards

Paul Sharp