In the Windy City of Chicago, on October 12th 2008,
Orion's John Hanlon finally completed his journey
around the World's Top 10 Marathons!

Below, John outlines how easy a challenge it was... 
though 'easy' is perhaps not the word John might chose...

 


2004 
My world journey started with New York, hot day didn’t know at the time where this could lead,
T4hr:09m felt good might try another one!. 


2005 
Paris lovely spring day lost the 4hr pace team at 18m whilst having a comfort break! 
T4hr:10m mustn’t grumble, 
Berlin one of the best organised marathons, for me though cramps and dehydration made this a trial 
T4hrs:41mins 
Honolulu, fantastic setting, 5:00am start in the dark, heat relentless 
T4hrs:46m (recovering on Waikiki beach 30 mins after finish!)


2006 
(joined Orion Harriers this year – started getting keen on the running!) 
Rotterdam fast course great event should have gone faster 
T4hrs:07m, 
Stockholm beautiful city, 2 lap course taking in the 12 lakes upon which Stockholm is situated.
Lucky to start this as unwell during last week before the run, struggled around in another hot day 
T 4hrs:39m 


2007 
Boston: had a plan for this race, deservedly at the top of any world marathon list, 
but on the day storms, wind and rain - race nearly called off. Enjoyed this run 
T4:07 (plan worked – just didn’t go fast enough!) 
Amsterdam, this is where it all came together, aspirations, plan, form and benefit of running with
other Orion Harriers,finished this race in the Olympic stadium in a PB 
T3:53, - overwhelmed with the achievement and support from Orion training mates. 


2008 
London, trained throughout the winter with a group of the Orion ladies, what a privilege that was! 
Thrilled to get under 4 hrs again. 
T3hrs:59m thanks to Nikki Farbridge who caused me to speed up in the last mile or so to keep up with her
as she loped away to a strong finish. 
Chicago, temperatures in the mid 80’s dangerously hot, gave this a good go but had to
slow significantly over the last few miles to stay safe in the conditions and enjoy the day 
T4hrs:16m 
 

Well, that’s it now... not sure what’ll be next, 
although my knees are telling the rest of me to rest up a while.
Thanks to everyone who has trained with me during this journey -
your support and shared experiences made this all the more enjoyable!

 

Here's the same tale, told in pictures

 

and here's a blog of it
written by John's long-suffering partner and Multi-marathon supporter, Gail.

 

regards

 

John