Harby runner Gemma marks marathon run debut with trip to Paris

The 33-year-old was part of an immense gathering of some 55,000 runners and participant were sent off on their journey from the Arc de Triomphe and would run a course through the French capital’s most famous avenues and plazas.

Gemma completed the 26.2-mile course in a time of just over five hours.

She said: “I felt amazing crossing the line. I literally couldn’t believe I had done it.

“The weather was really hot, so it was tough going in the heat. I hit a wall at 16 miles and thought I wouldn’t make it, but my friends were there with Haribo to pick me up and I carried on. I was very lucky to have a lot of friends and family there supporting me.”

Gemma ran the Paris Marathon for Lymphoedema Support Network, in memory of her grandma who died in December from Lymphoedema.

She also decided to dedicate each mile to Lymphoedema sufferers on her way around the course, and so stitched 26 ribbons to her t-shirt to think of them.

“It was so emotional knowing I was doing the run for a cause that meant so much to me,” said Gemma.

“My grand fundraising total is £2,646 for the Lymphoedema Support Network.

“I would love to do another marathon, perhaps London if I am lucky enough to get in.

“The first thing I did after finishing was have a big glass of water and a bath.”