Detective Constable Charlie Mitton says the electric atmosphere and overwhelming public support made her first – and last – London Marathon an unforgettable experience.
Charlie, who serves in the Child Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit, took on the challenge of raising funds for the Children’s Society and supporting vulnerable young people.
The Cambridgeshire Police Federation member overcame the hot conditions to finish in five hours and 40 minutes.
She said: “The weather forecast lied – it was supposed to be cloudy, but it was really warm.
“I was so happy with my time because I’ve never run a marathon before.
“I hadn’t set a target. I just wanted to complete it injury-free, and I did.
“And I’ve raised lots for an incredible charity, which I’m also very happy about.”
Charlie thanked an official Marathon pacer for helping her through the first three-quarters of the route.
She continued: “I followed a lovely pacer for 20 miles. Her name was Doc from New York and she was absolutely incredible.
“I think that shocked me, and I’m not sure if I could have done it without her.
“She has since reached out to me on social media and sent me this really nice message saying how strong I am, and it was a pleasure to run with me, which was really nice.”
Charlie said that the atmosphere has left a lasting impression on her.
“It’s difficult to explain it until you’re there,” she said. “There are so many people shouting your name and cheering you on, it’s incredible.
“You don’t actually know where it’s coming from because there are so many people, but it really does help.
“And all the volunteers are amazing, handing out the water. It’s a great event and I absolutely loved it.”
Charlie passed her partner and friends on a couple of occasions during the run. The first was at Tower Bridge around the halfway mark.
She said: “It was amazing to see them. They all had signs up. At that point, I felt good. I didn’t feel like I’d run a half-marathon. I was on it.”
However, by the time she saw them again with around two miles to go, Charlie admitted she was in a very different physical and emotional place.
She said: “Around mile 23, I hit the wall and thought, ‘I don’t know if I can do this’.
“There’s a video of me crying when I saw my partner. I was very emotional. I was doubting myself.
“But there were lots of happy tears at the end. I was relieved to finish.”
Friends, family and colleagues also sent Charlie voice notes of encouragement, which she listened to while running.
“My supervisor did one, and she wrote me a poem, which was really sweet,” she said. “I had jokes, shouting messages, all sorts coming through.
“My dad and my mum’s message, they were crying, so that made me cry.
“It definitely worked to help get me through those last couple of miles.”
Charlie admitted that balancing training alongside policing duties and family life was demanding, but she said completing the course made it worthwhile.
She said: “I’m very proud of myself for completing it.
“I’ve got a couple friends who have applied to do it next year, so I said I’ll come and be their cheerleader, but I won’t run it again.”
You can still support Charlie via her Just Giving page.