BLISTERS the size of wine gums, red raw nipples and a particularly intimate chaffing leave one question hanging in the air: Was it worth it? The Virgin London Marathon is once again finished and this query is something pondered by those who completed

BLISTERS the size of wine gums, red raw nipples and a particularly intimate chaffing leave one question hanging in the air: 'Was it worth it?'

The Virgin London Marathon is once again finished and this query is something pondered by those who completed the run and those who simply watched.

Being part of the former of the two groups I can firmly say that yes it is worth it, writes Alex Wellman.

The Virgin London Marathon is truly one of the most amazing experiences the world has to offer.

Around 36,000 people lace their shoes and head off from Greenwich Park on a journey which takes them on a range of emotions.

Early nerves are thrust to the back of the mind as you line up with people up to three-times your age, half your size or carrying a fridge on their back.

Hundreds of thousands of plucky Brits line the 26.2 mile course cheering and supporting people they have never met and are never likely to meet.

I set off with my friend and photographer Ashley Paine at 9.45am.

I dragged my battered body across the finish line five hours and four minutes later while Ashley did the same half an hour quicker.

The few pluses were that I beat Gordon Ramsay (who ducked out around half way) and that family and friends had been there to provide the best support when it was most needed.

When lactic acid has flooded your tired legs and you start hearing 'I cannot finish this' in your mind, there is no greater boost than seeing your parents and friends cheering wildly from the sidelines.

That and a mass of terrific Londoners taking part in one of the world's great annual events.

For more detail about the Virgin London Marathon visit www.virginlondonmarathon.com