Charlotte's marathon effort

Runner Charlotte Thompson is celebrating the race of her life.

The 36-year-old plumber, who works for Weymouth and Portland Housing, successfully competed in this year's gruelling New York Marathon.

Charlotte, who only entered following a drunken bet with friends, completed the 26.2mile course in an impressive time of 4hrs 56mins 23secs.

And that superb effort saw her finish in 29,302nd place out of a field of almost 40,000. She was also 8,615th home in the women's race which was one by fellow Brit, Paula Radcliffe.

"I'm delighted," said Charlotte. "That was my first ever marathon and my goal was to break five hours which I did.

"But I didn't do as much training as I probably could have done and so it does make me wonder what sort of time I might have achieved had I taken it a bit more seriously."

The course, which started in Staten Island and finished in Central Park, saw runners pass by all the Big Apple's famous buildings and landmarks.
Charlotte added: "The atmosphere was fantastic. It seemed like every space along the course was filled with people watching and shouting and they were a big help when it started to get painful.

"Running around the streets of New York was simply awesome and everyone you met was just so helpful and encouraging. I ran with some complete strangers who were holding up a five hours placard and they were fantastic.

"I just stuck with them until the last few miles and then it was the crowd who got me to the finishing line."

Cheered on by her partner Marc and 11 year-old daughter Selma, Charlotte was running in aid of the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust in Dorchester, which cares for people with cancer and similar life threatening diseases.

"I was hoping to raise about £500", she revealed, "but the figure is well over £1,000 now so I'm really happy.

"Thanks to everyone who has supported me, especially my employer Weymouth and Portland Housing who were a major sponsor."

With her finishers' medal now on the mantel piece at home in Chickerell, Charlotte is already planning her next marathon assault.

"I've got the bug now", she admitted, "and I quite fancy doing another in the near future.

"Somewhere like Boston or Berlin or London if I can get it."

Anyone wanting to sponsor Charlotte can still do so by visiting her website at www.justgiving.com/charlottemthompson