A WOKINGHAM couple got engaged at the finish line of the London Marathon on Sunday, October 2.
Phil West proposed to fellow Shinfield Running Club (SRC) member, Darcie Goulding, getting down on one knee moments after completing the race.
Club founder, James Suarez, said: “This club is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s incredible and quite emotional when you think about it.
“Had it not been for the club, they wouldn’t have met.”
The club was represented in the capital by nine of its members, who all completed the 26.2-mile course successfully.
James was full of praise for those who took part, seeing SRC’s participation at one of the world’s biggest races as a demonstration of the club’s success.
The free community group boasts a membership of almost 1,000 runners with a wide range of experience levels.
The former Binfield FC footballer also completed the marathon himself, having documented his gruelling 15-week training block to his 5,000 Instagram followers.
Despite negotiating traffic at the start of the race, James managed to secure a personal best time of two hours, 55 minutes and 47 seconds.
Of the experience, he said: “I’m super, super chuffed. I have zero regrets, training went great with no injuries.
“The atmosphere was electric, the only quiet zones were in the tunnels. Anyone who gets the chance should do it. It’s the best race out there.”
James was running on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a charity which helped his son, Javier, recover from nephrotic syndrome.
Unable to receive a conclusive diagnosis from the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the family turned to the London hospital, who were able to identify and offer treatment for the condition.
Javier has gladly been in remission for the last two years, regularly participating in junior Parkruns.
Inspired by the care afforded to his son, James has committed to fundraising for GOSH at every race he runs for charity.
