Past events
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 Jane Elston and her friend, Jules Adams, agreed to do the trek for BAAF in Rajasthan and she gives her account here.
Our journey began in Narlai where we met our wonderful Marwari horses - the very same horses that had been ridden by Madonna and Brad Pitt in the past!
Our trek took us across the most breathtaking countryside, visiting remote places that you can only get to by horse back where whole villages would come out to greet us as we rode past. Our horses were rather feisty, but wonderful to ride. I admit I was scared sometimes as we cantered across the desert, but I always managed to stop my horse in the end!
One of the best things was meeting everyone on the trek. We all bonded over our love of horses and wanting to help our various charities and I know I have made friends for life. Classic Tours organised our trip so well that we did not have to worry about anything and could concentrate on our riding and having a fantastic time and we were so well looked after.
The trek was a real challenge, sometimes painful, and it was often, for me, scary, but I have never felt such exhilaration and sense of accomplishment. There is another horse trek challenge next year in Brazil, so if you ride, why not think about having the most amazing experience of your life!?
London Marathon success for BAAF
Thank you so much to our four runners who supported BAAF in the 2008 London Marathon. It was a tough day in the rain but they still managed to keep smiling! They have raised nearly £7,000 between them and you can still support them by visiting their fundraising pages.
www.justgiving.com/gemmarunsthemarathon
www.justgiving.com/emandzoe
www.justgiving.com/akwilliams
Read Andy’s memories of the big day below,
The actual day will stay in the memory forever…
The nerves set in and I woke up at 3.30am on the big day and didn't really go back to sleep. Up at 6am for some porridge and toast before catching the 0757 to Greenwich with what seemed like the entire race entrants crammed into my train...
Greenwich Park was bathed in early sunshine. I took in the view from the Observatory and James Wolfe statue across London, phoned my wife who was just getting on the train to watch and sorted my kit bag. The organization was superb, hundreds of volunteers sorting the kit bags, the food and drink. Then into the correct starting pen and without much waiting we were off!
The first 3 miles flew past, a little too fast if anything. I ran with the Massai Warriors, Superman, Tarzan, various wombles and assorted scantily clad men and women! The crowds were absolutely amazing, cheering and shouting your name, offering sweets and hundreds of kids wanting ‘High Fives’. Halfway on Tower Bridge and the heavens opened with cold rain but I turned on to The Highway and looked for the BAAF supporters and managed to give them a wave and got a huge cheer. Next target was 18 miles at Canary Wharf where my wife and eldest daughter were waiting. Legs started to get a little heavy but I picked them out and stopped for a hug. Next target was the BAAF support again at 22 miles. I got there but I was getting really tired. Grabbed a few jelly babies but can't remember what I said...! Got to 23 miles and my legs said woooaaahh! I briefly had to jog and walk for a bit but the crowd urged me on, encouraging me every step on the Embankment. The hail stones then appeared as I turned past Buckingham Palace and the ‘385 Yards to Go’ sign and just went for the finish. I remembered to smile running over the finish line although it was more of a grimace.
I had actually done it, I had run a marathon. What a day and what support we all had... highlights have to be the crowd all the way round, Lowlights – none! Would I do it again... you bet!
Apply now to run for BAAF in the 2009 London Marathon
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