After months of preparation and anticipation it was now time to put on my racing hooves and join the masses for the 25th London Marathon. I wasn't able to follow Paula's training schedule but stuck to her breakfast plan of porridge and honey on race day. I was fortunate to have been given refuge in an Inn near Blackheath so I only had a short walk to the starting line (which helped to settle the nerves). The sun shone brightly and the was not a cloud in the sky - perfect Camel conditions (reminded me of the Sahara).


Hey they even named a road after me!

I was sent to join the red start in pen 8 right near the back of the pack of 35 000 runners (plenty of ground to make up). I was in good company with a Rhino nearby (had some lively banter). It took about 15 minutes to get to the start line (a little warm up session)...

In all the excitement I missed the first mile marker and thought I was loosing ground on the leaders but was relieved to see the 2 mile mark (in 20:54). When I was in some clear air I managed a few sub 10 minute miles (maybe I was a bit over excited).

6 miles down and I went round Cutty Sark strutting my stuff, the crowd roared and urged me on.

Elvis (with a strong Australian accent) helped me out a bit by passed me some water at the 13 mile mark. I was passing people quite steadily now but did manage to rap my humps round a few unsuspecting runners (very sorry if that was you...). I decided to tuck in behind two "Worlds" who were very effective at clearing the way! I still felt pretty fresh but know that was the easy half!

I had to eased up on my relentless pace at the 18 mile mark and had to find a large portaloo for a pit stop at 20miles - slight delay of 5 minutes. There were a few groans and rumbles from humps but I pressed on through 'the Wall' (or did I go over it).

I managed a smile throughout the day. The crowd support was amazing (imagine a million people lining the streets of London to cheer you on..). I was on such a high...

With two miles to go I went into overdrive and powered down the Embankment, the cheers of the crowd really lifted me along and I was going faster and faster into full Camel sprint mode (leaving humans in the dust). I gave the Queen a wink as I passed Buckingham palace and flew down the Mall. I spotted my adoring WaterAid supporters and headed for home.

As I rounded the final bend onto the finishing straight the race announcer told the crowd to bring Humphrey home and asked if this Camel could sprint! Well my front legs were shouting yes, but my back legs were not so sure. I nearly had to hurdle the advertising boards (like I was in the Grand National), but managed to cross the line exhausted but very satisfied with the race.

My race time was 4 hours 37 minutes a personal best (in 19265 place). I was so chuffed with that effort. What a great race......

I was even happier to know that all my supporters have helped to raise over £3000 to bring clean water and sanitation to people in India, a much greater effort than my marathon will every be...

Thanks so much for your all you support

Big hugs from a weary camel
Humphrey x

(you can check my split times on www.london-marathon.co.uk - race numbers 51829 and 51830)