Bloke’s Lounger Gary Ballinger and his wife, Shirley, both tackled and finished the recent New York City Marathon.
He's done a few and this year recorded his best time.
“My time was 5hr 10min and I was only four minutes slower in the second half than the first. I felt good the whole way. Shirley was 8hr 30 but she walked the course,” Gary said.
“I was No 38,918 of the 51,900 starters and 51,300 finishers, a 98.8 per cent finishing rate which was incredible. However, this was due to the good weather, 10 degrees at the start and a maximum of 15 at the hottest part of the day, and only a slight wind.
“The crowds were fantastic, about 2-3 deep along the whole course apart from major points, eg coming onto Manhattan Island and also at Central Park finish area where there were masses of people. The cheering was encouraging. The music was virtually continuous with rap, reggae and drum bands.
“It was a fantastic experience, but tough work at the time.”
Gary must have been a good student – education pays off in the long run!
BELOW: That's Garry at left in blue & white shirt crossing the line. Well done mate!
He's done a few and this year recorded his best time.
“My time was 5hr 10min and I was only four minutes slower in the second half than the first. I felt good the whole way. Shirley was 8hr 30 but she walked the course,” Gary said.
“I was No 38,918 of the 51,900 starters and 51,300 finishers, a 98.8 per cent finishing rate which was incredible. However, this was due to the good weather, 10 degrees at the start and a maximum of 15 at the hottest part of the day, and only a slight wind.
“The crowds were fantastic, about 2-3 deep along the whole course apart from major points, eg coming onto Manhattan Island and also at Central Park finish area where there were masses of people. The cheering was encouraging. The music was virtually continuous with rap, reggae and drum bands.
“It was a fantastic experience, but tough work at the time.”
Gary must have been a good student – education pays off in the long run!
BELOW: That's Garry at left in blue & white shirt crossing the line. Well done mate!
