I did it !!! 

26.34KM (slightly longer than we were supposed to run) in 2 hours 37minutes, average of 10km per hour. 

Each runner had the name of a service man or woman killed in Afghanistan printed on their shirt, I ran for Corporal Stephen Thompson. At the darker moments of my run I thought about Stephen to spur me on, it put my challenge into perspective.

There was a serving soldier who turned up to run with us, in boots and combat trousers, he was miles ahead.

It was HARD, and my legs hurt (despite having run the cold water from the garden hose on them for 10 minutes, cold water revival tip from Rupert that did seem to help, thank you). My personal 'wall' came at 23km, no fun at all. 

Thanks for the cheers and support (and lucozade sport) from Jane, Beats, Hamish, Jo and Megan John at various points on the coarse, a huge help.

I found this link to a MOD resume of Stephen Thompson:

https://www.gov.uk/government/fatalities/corporal-stephen-thompson-killed-in-afghanistan

On Sat 26 April I will be running 26km for 'The Soldiers' Charity' which directly benefits soldiers and their families when in need. The run has been organised by St George's, Harpenden, where Beatrice goes to school (Hamish to join in September).

This equates to 10m, yes just 10m for each British soldier injured or killed in Afghanistan since 2001. A sobering thought that we are having to run 26km to remember them all.

To view the route go to:

http://gb.mapometer.com/running/route_3757851.html