Andrew completes the London Marathon... running in Melton

Andrew Wrath pictured during a previous run in London.

While the streets of the capital are usually packed with competitors and spectators for the famous spectacle, COVID-19 restrictions meant that this year’s event was undertaken virtually.

Runners took on more familiar routes closer to home and then added their times to a database.

“With lots of other events cancelled this year I made a late decision to enter the virtual London Marathon,” saidAndrew.

“I had run a lot of miles during lockdown but not undertaken marathon training and had no long runs under the belt.

“At the start of the year a virtual event would not have appealed to me.

“But as we moved closer to race day it started to feel like a real event building up with the online running community.”

Whilst the elite event consisted of 200 runners in London running 19 laps of St James’ Park, the virtual event was run by 45,000 runners across the world.

Everyone ran at their own time on their own chosen route, with results logged via the official app.

“I had an early start at 5.45am to avoid the rain and covered the 26.2 miles in a time of 4 hours and 18 minutes,” Andrew explained to The Times.

“My route consisted of three laps around the town and estates of Melton itself finishing in the country park.

“As with most marathons the half way part in effort is around the 20-mile mark and the 23rd and 24th miles were two of the toughest miles that I’ve ever ran.

Andrew used the event to raise money for a charity that fights Modern Day Slavery called Hope for Justice, who rescue victims and restore lives. He has already passed the £1,500 mark.

Running the marathon virtually had its plusses and down sides as well.

Andrew explained: “(There are) many advantages against a conventional marathon - no travel or accommodation, not having to wait for a long period of time at the start and then at the endwhen you’re finishing at home.

“The downside is that a marathon is tough anyway, but it becomes a lot more difficult without other runners to run with and to hang on to, and without the encouragement of the crowds. I would definitely do it again but I’m looking forward to having live events back in 2021.”

Ethiopian Shura Kitata won the men’s London event and Brigid Kosgei won the ladies’ version.