Calne runner, Simon Nott has finished 23rd at the London Marathon with a stunning personal best, placing him among the very top runners in one of the world’s most competitive races, despite nearly missing the start through injury.
His time of 2:21:25 knocked more than a minute off his previous best of 2:22:38. It came in just his third marathon and second appearance at London.
Simon has been running since the age of 11. He joined Calne Running Club as a teenager, where he now helps run the club alongside his wife Denise. He has won multiple local races and set several course records, and competed across distances from 5K through to the marathon, including racing twice as an elite at the Cardiff Half Marathon.
But this latest result was far from straightforward.
In the final weeks before race day, Simon was dealing with a calf injury followed by a glute problem - at one point casting real doubt over whether he would even make it to the start line.
Speaking after the race, he said: “On Sunday I was fortunate enough to make the start line of the London Marathon after many months of preparation, and the atmosphere was a 26.2 mile wall of noise as ever.
“I say fortunate, as so many stars have to align when pushing your boundaries in training whilst avoiding injury, something that hadn't quite gone to plan in the final weeks.
“I am over the moon to have walked away with a new PB of 2:21:25 from what was a warm capital city. My legs and mind have certainly let me know in the days following that I gave it all I had.”
Denise said the marathon demands months of careful preparation.
“Everything hinges on all the ducks lining up for that one race day and it's very unforgiving,” she said.
“We tweaked Simon's training for this marathon with a bit more static bike work and slightly less mileage and it seems to have worked.
“I am extremely proud of his dedication, going out six days a week before work in all weathers to get his sessions done.”
She added that watching him complete the race was an emotional moment.
“Seeing him running through the streets of London in his Calne Running Club vest was very emotional, and I have to admit to doing an excited little jig when I saw on the tracker that he had finished with a new PB. That was very special.”
Photo courtesy Sportograf
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