LONDON Marathon time is Louise Blizzard’s time – and this year is no different.

And as she closes in on a record number of appearances, she is hoping her 29th running of the event will not be her last.

The Warrington Athletics Club member will once again be on the start line in the capital on Sunday, with her qualifying time of 3hours 11mins from last year’s race getting her into the ladies championship group.

Since first competing in 1994, she has only missed two London Marathons – in 2010 when she was pregnant with son Alfie and in 2022, when she was selected for the Great Britain Police team to run at the Eindhoven Marathon.

And with the current women’s record of 32 appearances in her sights, Blizzard once again has her sights set on a good time despite struggling with injury this year.

“I’ve been training really hard this year,” said Blizzard, who works as a forensic investigations manager for Cheshire Police.

“I was lucky to spend some time in Portugal recently training and have raced a few times this year as part of the build-up for my club.

“I had a bad race at the Wrexham half marathon in February and almost stopped at 10 miles as was in pain with my Achilles but somehow got to the end in 1.35 and had to rest for some time after it.

“I was lucky to get back racing for the Wilmslow half marathon a few weeks later and finished in 1.31

“I’d love to run a similar time to last year’s London Marathon and break 3.15 again, though so much can happen and I’m never very confident on a start line.

“I always feel so lucky and honoured to be back there each year and really enjoy it when the race starts – I’m just so nervous in the build up to the race!”

Blizzard’s personal-best marathon time is 2hours 54mins, which she set back in 2003.

Although those times are behind her now, she hopes she can keep racking up the appearances at one of British sport’s signature events.

“I’m always grateful for all the support and kind words every year,” she said.

“I’d love to get to 30 London Marathons if I can and see if I can get close to the record, which is currently 32 for a female.

“I’m 48 now so hoping I can keep going for a bit longer yet.

“It’s such a special race and I’m just so lucky to keep being part of it.”