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As a lifelong Torquay United supporter and local distance runner I recently enjoyed what could be described as the perfect weekend. I was lucky enough to obtain a number to run the London Marathon and while in the South East decided to take in the Stevenage - Torquay match on the Saturday.
This year's event was special as it was the hundredth anniversary of the 26 miles 385 yards distance being used as the official marathon distance.
Having collected our numbers and timing chips from the London Marathon expo on the Friday we were at a loose end for the Saturday. While most put their feet up and sank the odd pint of Lucozade I made my way to Kings Cross and eventually Stevenage for what was at the time a vital clash between The Gulls and their play off rivals.
 
The atmosphere at the Stevenage ground was fantastic, a fair number of Capital Gulls had made their way there and although I hate clichés the atmosphere was "electric". With the away end being all seater, I honestly thought that I would be able to rest ahead of the next days exertions, unfortunately I spent more time on my feet berating officials and opponents alike.
Suffice to say the 3-1 win didn't flatter us at all and the winning margin could well have been more and we made our way back to London buoyed by the knowledge that another point would guarantee our play off berth.
 
Marathon Day arrived and I joined the rest of the 35,000 runners on Blackheath Common ready for the run from Blackheath to the Mall. The crowds at the run were fantastic and act as an extra spur in the low times at about sixteen miles, where you are already tired but know that there are another ten miles to go. I finally made to The Mall in 3 hours 48 minutes, an improvement of over ten minutes on the previous year's effort.
I proudly donned my Torquay United shirt and running club vest for the marathon. I was so pleased with the overall weekend that I have had my replica home shirt embossed with:
 
"Porky's Perfect Weekend
Saturday
Stevenage 1 Torquay 3
Sunday
London Marathon 3.48.00".
 
Hopefully next season I will again be able to combine my two favourite hobbies with a Torquay win and a good distance run.