First of all, I apologise for taking so long to update this blog. Life has been pretty hectic recently, with increased training and a new job to contend with, but I’m pleased to be able to confirm that the London 10k on May 25th went extremely well.

The event was a real buzz. I arrived a couple of hours early and spent the first hour just familiarising myself with the various locations, tents, meeting points and race start zones. Then I got changed into the stormtrooper kit, and from the moment I stepped out of the marquee I was inundated with people wanting to come and meet me, take a photo, have their photo taken with me and ask me if I really, seriously, intended on running in that thing.

As the race start got closer I started to find it quite a challenge to actually get there on time as every step I took I was caught by someone else. Not of course that I minded – that was always part of the fun and of the idea. I just wish that a few of those who took photos or selfies had then donated, but hey ho.

It was about half an hour after the official race start before we finally got moving, by which time I had been in the armour for an hour and a half already, with blazing sun, no air and no water. Still, once underway I had a great time. Every inch of the race was packed with spectators, and all I heard were cheers and applause with people crying ‘go stormtrooper!’, ‘star wars’, ‘Darth Vader’, or ‘robot’. Well, I suppose not everyone has watched Star Wars! Even those running along with me commented, spurred me on, and a few took action photos.

When it came to the finish there was a huge line of children on one side, and I high fived pretty much all of them. In fact throughout the race I highfived a few hundred children! I completed the 10k distance in 1:15, which is a time I’m pretty pleased with given the conditions inside the suit.

Once I finished the helmet remained firmly in place, and for the next half hour I was again besieged by people wanting photos. I also photobombed a few people’s group photos too! I then slipped quickly into the changing marquee where I took the helmet off and had a bottle of water. Then the helmet went back on and I headed out for another wander for a while.

Then came the journey home. In full stormtrooper armour! I took the underground from Green Park to Vauxhall, and then the normal train from Vauxhall to West Byfleet. You can imagine the looks and comments during that journey!

Below are a few photos of the occasion, and I’d like to thank everyone who supported me, either there on the day, or by making a donation. Don’t forget that if you haven’t donated yet you can do so very easily by visiting the Donations page. Thank you!

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