Fred Randver

The first marathon will always be remembered. The goal was to finish under four hours. I felt a real rush at the finish, and I knew right away that it would not be my last marathon.

One of the five greatest marathons in the world with more than 40,000 runners taking part each year. In the same race, Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie ran a world record (2:03.59).

It was boiling, over 25 degrees celsius. I like cooler weather conditions.

Everything was excellent: beautiful place and weather, good company and a personal best.

The time was not a goal. It was short weekend trip with my good friend to explore the historical city and to take part in the White Nights Marathon.

The New York City Marathon is the largest marathon in the world. The event was real and engaging the whole way. My adrenaline was so high from the start that I ran the first kilometres faster than I had planned. At some point, I calculated that I would finish 3 hours and 15 minutes by continuing at that pace. But at 28 kilometres I got to feel what the "hammer" means in marathon speak. This is a moment when you are moving past only those who are walking or resting at the side of the path, perhaps they have been even more optimistic than you about their strengths. All the others who have wisely parcelled out their energy run past you. The result was disappointing at first, but looking back, I had a great experience. I would go back to New York at any time.

Physically, it was one of the hardest, yet also most memorable experiences. The starting point was at 1,085 meters, and the finish line was at 2,582 meters above sea level, with a total climb of 1,944 meters. The first half of the marathon reached the famous Zermatt ski resort at "just" 530 meters, with the marathon's second and certainly sweeter half for the runner at 967 meters. What makes it all even more amazing was that the winning time was 3:09.34. How is it possible? I must admit that no can of beer after a marathon has tasted as good as the one at the sunset finish at 2600 meters in Zermatt, overlooking the Swiss Alps symbol, the Matterhorn.

At the first Tallinn marathon, I had another personal best. The Tallinn marathon is excellent, and the only negative for me was the two 21.1-kilometer laps. It’s become clear over the years that laps are not my thing.

I remember that the morning was rainy and cold. I started so that I could nicely get into the run. I paced myself wisely and achieved a new personal best.

There was very nice sunny weather, and for the runners, one of the world's most famous streets, the Champs-Elysées, was reserved. Such moments must be enjoyed! It was worth going to the Paris marathon for the beautiful morning alone.

A personal best but emotionally the most difficult marathon. Three months later my mother died after a severe illness. I ran to push away my dark thoughts.

It gave an overview of Estonia's summer: the first time there it was a cold, strong wind was blowing, and it was raining; the second time it was too hot. There are two variations in Estonian weather: good or bad.

A week earlier it had been warm in Switzerland, then on the morning of the marathon snow had fallen and thick fog covered the path.

The goal was merely to finish the marathon. I learned a lesson: do not go to a marathon to disconnect! A marathon must be prepared for with both mental and physical fitness.

The goal was simple. Just to enjoy a remarkable running party. I chose a steady pace to run from start to finish. The London Marathon is the most difficult to get to, as only every sixth registrant can run. So I was one of 42,000 happy. Interesting fact: during the marathon, I passed 7,759 runners, and I was passed by 799 people.