THE Warrington record breaker who has equalled the most female appearances in the London Marathon says she is delighted after reaching the milestone.

Louise Blizzard, from Houghton Green, completed her 25th race in three hours and 19 minutes, which was well within her target time.

Although not being able to get her head around equalling the record, Louise stated she is immensely proud of what she has achieved.

“I’m still reflecting on the race and how wonderful and perfect it was,” she said.

“It’s not fully sunk in yet, but I’m absolutely delighted and it’s a really special feeling.

“I can just about walk but I don’t think I’ll be able to run anywhere for the next couple of days.”

Louise purchased a medal holder during her time in the capital and says looking at the reminders from her past races gives her a great sense of accomplishment.

“Looking at all my medals makes me realise just how lucky I have been to have competed in 25 London Marathons,” she continued.

“I’m over the moon to have now equalled the record for most appearances by a woman in the race and can’t wait to go one better next year.

“I wouldn’t have been able to finish so many marathons without the wonderful support I’ve had beforehand which really has kept me going.”

Finishing any marathon is no easy feat, but according to Louise, the conditions this year were perfect for those taking on the gruelling course.

“Compared to last year which took place in the middle of a heatwave, the temperature this year definitely helped,” said the 43-year-old.

“It was actually quite chilly on the start line and people were shivering under all their layers.

“I’d probably say the conditions were perfect to run in though and you could see runners shedding their layers as the race went on.”

As with previous years, Louise paid tribute to her loving family who spurred her on throughout the lung-busting 26-mile route.

“My husband and son Alfie were waving and cheering at me at the 12-mile and 25-mile points and that really helped when my legs started to tire,” said the record breaker.

Warrington Guardian:

Louise's son Alfie

“I worked really hard to keep my pace up going into the final stages and I was determined to finish strongly.

“The feeling of crossing that finish line was just amazing as it felt like the race was going on forever.”

Another inspiration throughout the marathon was her River Reeves Foundation wristband, which steeled her determination when she started to struggle late on.

“I kept looking at my River Reeves Foundation wristband for motivation when I started to feel tired and was struggling,” Louise added.

“When I crossed the finish line, I was quite emotional and had a little cry as I was so relieved to have finally done it.

“To raise around £1,300 for the foundation is wonderful and I’ve even had some anonymous donations as well, so I don’t know who to thank but I really am grateful and overwhelmed.”

To break the record outright, Louise must complete another London Marathon to take her tally up to 26, and this is already something she has set her sights on.

“Next year’s London marathon will fall on Alfie’s 10th birthday, but he really wants me to do it and break the record on my own,” she added.

“He’s really keen to start running and wants do one himself, but will have to wait until he’s a bit older first.

“I’ll have a bit of a rest for now and then we will aim to do it all over again next year.”