Grantham Running Club take part in the iconic Schneider Electric race in Paris
Four members of Grantham Running Club were set to cross the Channel for their marathon debut at the iconic Schneider Electric race in Paris.
Unfortunately, for one of the quartet, Harriet Bacon, months of gritty winter training were undone just weeks before race day by the dreaded runner's nemesis – injury.
Down but not out, the remaining three - Paula Ebbins, Natalie Hardwick and Emma Weighill - packed their bags, laced up their trainers and rendezvoused in the City of Light.
The day was threatening to be unseasonably warm, which would have been troublesome for the runners given all the cold winter training.
But the weather gods were with them - mainly cloudy with the odd show of sunshine and tops of 17 degrees made for the meteorological equivalent of a supportive pat on the back, writes Emma Weighil.
There was a long wait at the top of the Champs-Élysées, shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of other runners, before the race started.
The course was a feast for the senses with iconic landmarks, leafy parks, scenic riversides and cobblestones that tested both ankles and temperaments.
As the miles ticked by, each runner settled into their own stride, running solo but united in spirit.
Paula led the trio from way ahead for most of the race but was rudely interrupted by gastric issues around the 40th kilometre.
She reset, rallied, and still finished strong in five hours and 21 minutes.
Natalie also battled stomach cramps in the second half but, with steely determination and expert pacing, she crossed the line in five hours and 37 minutes.
Emma faced a low point at the 20th mile but luckily it passed and she pushed through to finish in five hours and one minute.
All three were met at the finish by their families - who, thanks to the open-access course, were able to share the final section of the journey.
It was, they all agreed, a day to remember and a race to cherish with the sights, sounds, sweat, and the satisfaction of completing a marathon in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
