However when the usual Los Angeles marathon anthem started playing through the loud speaker system of Randy Newman’s “I love LA” the adrenalin kicked in. The first few miles of the marathon were fascinating running past the Hollywood Bowl and then along Hollywood Boulevard where the Oscars had just taken place there the previous week, and where I was cheered on by my wife, three daughters and my parents. I also witnessed the unusual site of a group of runners dressed as Elvis pushing a trolley with a stereo that played out classics from the King.

The next few miles also proved fascinating running past entertainers in the various ethnic communities from traditional Korean dancing, to Guatemalan musicians. However as I headed towards downtown LA the intense heat of 83F really started to take its toll as the last few miles seemed like an eternity. So it was such a relief to finally cross the finishing line in 4 hours and 2 minutes, just five minutes short of my best ever marathon time.

Seven weeks later I was in Greenwich Park waiting to set off on my second challenge, the London Marathon. I was inspired as I listened to UCB UK on a radio walkman of an interview I’d recorded with Steve Chalke, director of the Oasis trust, who was attempting to break the world record of raising the most money ever in a marathon of two million pounds. I later discovered he was successful in his record bid a truly amazing achievement.

Peter with his family after completing the London Marathon

Minutes later I was joining 36,000 other runners in my fourth London marathon. The first few miles proved a challenge to get into a regular pace with so many of us. Comparing this to the LA marathon, the true British eccentricity came out in force with the usual amount of runners dressed in costumes, including a group of men chained together dressed as prisoners.

Just like Los Angeles the community spirit from those cheering runners on is incredible. I was particularly inspired by the amount of churches that had decided to make the most of this outreach opportunity and meet outside the four corners of their church building to entertain and encourage the runners.

Just before the halfway point and the famous landmark of London Bridge I was able to see my wife, three daughters and my mum faithfully encouraging me along. The atmosphere running along London bridge was incredible giving you a great view of the River Thames and the Houses of Parliament.

But heading into Canary Wharf, the capital’s business district, I felt myself starting to hit the wall, a pain barrier that most marathon runners face. Then the heat again was starting to drain me and I saw many runners just collapsing on the side of the road. But then with five miles to go as I headed towards the Houses of Parliament I started to feel the endorphins kick in even though I was well short again of beating my personal best time of 3 hours 57 minutes.

One of the greatest highlights was reaching Buckingham Palace knowing there was only a few hundred yards to go and the incredible roar of people cheering you on. As I finally crossed the finishing line after 4 hours and 9 minutes, at the famous Mall opposite Buckingham Palace and I was given my medal I struggled to hold back the tears, and all that pain felt worthwhile, particularly having raised vital funds for ASSIST Europe’s ongoing work with a special needs orphanage in Vladikavkaz, Russia.

My next goal is to beat my personal best time in a marathon next year as I celebrate my 40th birthday.

If you would like to find out how you can help the ASSIST Europe work in Russia, go to www.assisteurope.net

Peter Wooding is senior news editor for UCB UK. His is married to Sharon and they live in North Wales with their three children. He is also the director of ASSIST Europe which is involved in helping the children of Beslan, Russia