A NUMBER of Observer readers will take part in the 35th running of the Virgin Money London Marathon this Sunday.

Runners this year include a trio of teachers from St Joseph’s Catholic School in Slough, who aim to raise around £3,000 for Parents And Children Together (PACT).

Nick Carey, Andrew Gow and John Vallely have had support from pupils at the school for their fundraising efforts, and Carey has the additional challenge of beating his time from last year’s marathon.

“I only got into running two years ago and would have broken into sweat if anyone just asked me to run a mile then,” said the teaching assistant. “But I got the buzz and ran the marathon last year.

“It has sort of become a lifestyle change really. It’s been tough to fit training into my schedule being a student as well. I ran 21 miles the weekend before last and been swimming to keep pressure off my joints and my fitness up.

“I was quite emotional last year, mostly happy but there was a lot of pain as well.

“I was nervous for the first five miles and ran slowly then, about 10 miles in, I was shaking people’s hands and running too fast. The last eight miles were the killer. You just try to forget the niggling injuries and just get through it. When you hear the crowd it gives you that extra bit of adrenaline.”

Carey added: “I finished in four-and-a-half hours last year so would like to improve on that time. There is an Arsenal game on at 2pm so if I could get back to watch that it would be good.

“The children at St Joseph’s have helped out with fundraising during lunch breaks, they’ve been fantastic.”

Are you running the London Marathon this year? If so, post a comment below with your name, age, location and which charity you are rasing money for.