Sue Breaks 4-Hour Marathon Time

ITS’ Sales Admin Assistant Sue Knott achieved a personal best Flora London Marathon this year, breaking the four hours with a finishing time of 3:58:16.

Together with her brother Steve Glew, who ran the race at her side, they raised around £2,300 for VICTA (Visually Impaired Children Taking Action), but despite the achievement, there were no triumphant cheers as she crossed the line.  “I couldn’t even raise a smile,” she said.

“I was over the moon with my time, but I set off too quickly and never recovered.  It wasn’t enjoyable this year.”

She hit the first ‘wall’ at ten miles and by the 18-mile marker was suffering considerably.  Spotting her husband Malcolm, ITS’ Managing Director, in the crowd at that point lifted her, but it was still a struggle to complete.  However she harnessed extra help by learning a trick from a fellow runner last year, and wrote her name on her running vest, prompting encouraging shouts of ‘Come on Sue!’ for the entire 26 miles.  “The support of the crowd was unbelievable.  Everyone shouts your name and keeps you going.”

The public support obviously worked, as she and Steve powered passed the strongly hyped team of Masai warriors, and were a minute ahead of celebrity runner, singer Ronan Keating. 

Despite the suffering, the pull of London Marathon 2009 was too great.  “When I crossed the finish line I said ‘never again’, but in less than a week was at the computer, registering.  Next time I’ll run on my own and run my own race.  This year wasn’t a true reflection of how fit I knew I was.”

In the meantime she’ll get in some practice with new running partner eight-year-old daughter Gemma.  The pair will be kicking up their heels for June’s Race for Life in Darlington, raising money for Cancer Research UK.  Sue also hopes to take part in October’s Great North Run.

Sue and Steve’s hard work benefits VICTA, which provides support for visually impaired children and their families.  Its main aim is to work towards parents obtaining early diagnosis, correct medical treatment and the best social and educational support so that blind and partially sighted children can reach their full potential.