Diss, Attleborough and Framlingham runners talk about their experience of the London Marathon
For the thousands who converged on London for a record-breaking run at the weekend, the atmosphere is one you only understand once there for yourself.
More than 56,000 runners crossed the finish line at the 2025 London Marathon on Sunday – a new world record for the famous street race.
Despite aches, pains and the sweltering heat, participants were driven on by the support of the vast crowds of supporters lining the streets, and the myriad of charitable causes they were raising money for.
Among the runners was Alan Pagan, who finished the 26.2-mile route in five hours and 16 minutes.
The 47-year-old raised £1,400 money for Dove Dementia Cafe, which meets once a month at Diss United Reformed Church and was co-founded by his mother, Gabrielle.
Completing her first marathon was Steph Callen, from Diss, who raised hundreds of pounds for Redwings Horse Sanctuary in the process.
She said: “I feel so incredibly proud to have completed the London Marathon and to have raised £650 for Redwings.
“What with the hot weather and picking up a knee injury so close to the big day, it was not the fastest run (six hours and 39 minutes) but I did it and was so happy to reach the finish.”
Also hitting London’s tarmac for the first time was Taila Taylor, from Attleborough.
Finishing in six hours and 36 minutes, Ms Taylor was raising money for the National Autistic Society as her three-year-old daughter, Paisley, is being assessed for autism.
The 30-year-old, who is the current mayor of Attleborough, raised more than £1,800 for her chosen cause, adding that it was an incredible spectacle to be a part of.
She said: “It was challenging but the atmosphere was incredible and does carry you through.
“The kindness and generosity of strangers offering sweets and words of support was so heartwarming.
“I have already entered the ballot for 2026, hoping to have the opportunity to do it all again.”
And finally, a promise between a former British ambassador to Iran and a hostage in captivity was fulfilled.
Simon Shercliff, 52, met Anoosheh Ashoori, 71, when he was in his post in the Middle East, while the latter spent his final months in an Iranian prison.
Mr Ashoori had been incarcerated as a political prisoner for four-and-a-half years, before being released in March 2022.
During their time together, they said that, when Mr Ashoori was freed, they would run the London Marathon side-by-side and this year they did it.
Mr Shercliff, from Framlingham, said: “What an amazing day. Anoosheh was a hero – I was so proud to run alongside him.
“It meant so much to us to fulfil our pledge, and we are grateful for the support in raising funds and awareness for Hostage International.”
The pair finished the course in six hours and 21 minutes.
Mr Ashoori added: “I am so proud that we finished and raised so much for the charity.
“Throughout the marathon, I remembered my two golden rules: firstly, that perseverance pays off and, secondly, never forget golden rule number one.”
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