By Nicole Wright, FGA UK SPECIALIST, London, England

On April 25th , 30,000 runners will flood the streets of London, aiming to complete the grueling 26.2 miles that make up the world famous London Marathon. I will be somewhere in those thousands trying to make it to the end without needing to use one of the 500 stretchers that will be on hand to pick up those not quite so lucky to make it over the finish line.

Unlike some people who have a very clear aim of completing a marathon in their life time, I was adamant that a marathon was not for me. I like my 10km races, going fast, getting it over and done with, no hassle of hours of training and feet so sore that you can’t walk the next day. However, in the true spirit of adventure, (something I know Nick Fluge and his Global Adventure team understand well!), when a charity running place needed to be filled urgently I did not hesitate to sign myself up.

So now it is early morning runs before work, track and hill sessions after work and long weekend runs. Motivating myself to run 15 miles on a Sunday morning, a time usually designated to a long lie in or a cosy brunch with friends, is hard I can’t deny it. However, surprisingly I have found myself enjoying all of this, feeling satisfied when I have already completed a long run when the rest of the world is only just waking up.

So in less than 2 months I will be putting all my training to the test and be proudly taking part in the 29th London Marathon, running as part of the UK Youth charity team, raising funds to help disadvantaged young people throughout the UK. Reading Nick’s account of his Portland Marathon experience I know that it is not going to be an easy experience, but where would the fun be in that anyway? I know that I can do this and I look forward to letting you know how it all goes!

That’s right people, the judges have made their decisions and it was no easy task…

The GRAND PRIZE winner is “Hanging Fluge” by Michael Stensrud

“2nd and 3rd Place was just too difficult to call with so many great entries that the Kosmos and Fluge Global Adventure judges have declared a tie – with 12 entrants to win IPODS!”

The Runner Up winners for 2nd and 3rd place are listed below in no particular order. Each will receive a new iPod for their efforts courtesy of Fluge Global Adventures.

“Fluge on my Bumper”: Letonya

“Fluge (Bat) Signal”: Logan

“Fluge HWY 1 Sign”: James

“FGA USA/Europe Photoshop”: Randall

“Fluge Fab Four”: Jennifer, Bree, Alecia, Victoria

“Fluge on Fire”: C&C Stensrud

“FGA Logo in Thailand”: Alex

“FGA Truck Tug of War”: Michael

“FGA at Thunderhill”: Dan

“FGA on Mt. Adams”: Matt

“Drivin Fast w/Fluge and Saleen”: Amber

“Vote for Fluge”: James

Congratulations to all Winners.

You will each receive an official award letter shortly from FGA with instructions on how to claim your prizes.

Again we would like to extend our sincere THANKS to everyone who entered our inaugural “Show us your Fluge” contest. You all made this a great succes and we appreciate your enthusiasm and dedication to adventure.

Be sure to keep your eyes out for our NEW CONTEST that will debut this coming Monday!

Check out my new Tat!