Great day at London Marathon for Jesuit Missions

Jesuit novices Chris Brolly and Jacques St Laurent, still wearing Womble legs

The Jesuit Missions Virgin London Marathon runners had a great day on Sunday with all 24 completing the course. This year the team was raising money for the Jesuit Missions Syria appeal which sends much needed medical supplies to the sick and injured in Homs and Damascus.

Two ran in the famous Womble costumes, novice Jacques St Laurent in 5hrs 12mins and Benjamin Eckmans from Germany, persuaded to don the costume only the day before, who said: "I missed not being able to see the great London landscape as I went around the course as I could really only see my feet and the road in front of me" said Jacques, "but in compensation I got huge cheers and photo calls from the crowd all the way around for the costume."
Jesuit novice Chris Brolly was pleased with his time of 3hrs 43mins "the crowd was fantastic - one chap misread my t-shirt which read 'Jesuit Missions' and called out 'come on Jesus!' which made me smile!"

Damian Fitzpatrick ran for JM last year and has done five marathons around the world "London is the best," he says, "you get so much support from the crowd all the way around, it really sustains you". He was pleased with his time of 4.5 hours.

Matthew O'Connor, a Stonyhurst alumnus whose siblings are still in the school, ran the fastest time in just under 3.5 hours.

Jesuit run Mount St Mary's College and Barlborough Hall fielded an impressive team of nine teachers and senior staff. Rachel Craggs was pleased with 3hrs 50mins which beat her time from last year and head teacher Dr Nicholas Cuddihy, running his first marathon in 4hrs 50mins, had few words, "I'm just glad it's over" he said.Jesuit Missions staff were well-represented: Paul Chitnis, JM Director, ran for the first time in just over 5 hours, and Richard Greenwood, JM Deputy Director, delegated running to his parents John and Clare Greenwood who both took up running only recently and completed together in 5hrs 50mins. "It was a great atmosphere" said Clare, "and I feel surprisingly good!"

All the runners were brought back to the Jesuit community in Mount Street, which isn't far from the finish line, for showers, food and sports massages. "We feel very well looked after," commented Damian, "and I hope to be back next year."

Fr Superior Dominic Robinson SJ said: "it was a joy for the community to welcome the runners and their supporters, it is always a great day with a great buzz and in aid of an excellent cause."

If you haven't yet sponsored a runner there is still time to support the Jesuit Missions Syria appeal and show your appreciation of the team's efforts. Donations can be made at: www.jesuitmissions.org.uk/take-action/london-marathon