Policewoman named London Marathon’s millionth runner

LONDON – Agence France-Presse

A British policewoman was on May 9 announced as the millionth person to have finished the London Marathon in the race’s 35-year history.

Shannon Foudy, 39, from the town of Hemel Hempstead near London, completed this year’s course in five hours and 45 minutes, which organizers said made her the race’s millionth finisher.

She was running her first marathon and raised more than $2,890 (2,540 euros) for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that treated her six-year-old daughter Catrin for organ failure and a brain hemorrhage.

“I knew about the #oneinamillion campaign and it’s unbelievable that I am the millionth finisher,” Foudy said in a statement released by organizers.

“I ran to say thank you to the Luton and Dunstable NICU and it is the most worthwhile thing I have ever done.”

Event director Hugh Brasher said: “Shannon epitomizes the spirit of the London Marathon.

“She was a novice runner inspired to take on the challenge of 26.2 miles [42.2 kilometers] for a very personal cause and it’s wonderful she is our millionth finisher.”