The world athletics championships are taking place over ten days in Tokyo. At 7.30am this morning some ninety of the world’s top marathon runners gathered in the national stadium for the 2025 marathon championship. The temperature at that time was in the high twenties and with humidity rising above 60 it was a daunting task to face 26 miles championship running on the streets of Tokyo. Our own Peter Lynch was towards the rear of the field as the runners completed the round of the athletic track before heading out on the road.
Peter’s plan was to make a steady early pace and given the conditions to conserve his energy and pick off as many as he could in the second half. Sticking to his plan paid dividends. After completing the first 10K in 31.52 there were some sixty runners ahead of him. Reaching the half way mark in 67.03 he had moved to 55th. Not slowing he started overtaking those who, having gone out strong, were now coming back to him. So with 30K done he was in 40th position. Despite hamstring niggles and the hills towards the finish he crossed the finish line punching the air in an uncontested 24th position in 2.14.12. Mission accomplished. Thanks to family and club and his various coaches who helped him develop his undoubted talent over the years he is now a top athlete on the world stage. May he stay injury free as he continues to develop and give us many more exciting championships.