Before the closing ceremony, during which the Chinese piled the pressure on London with another spectacular fireworks display, all eyes were on the men's marathon.

The leading pack set an incredible pace, running the first 5km in under fifteen minutes, then completing the first half (20km) in 62mins. It was made all the more impressive by the hot humid conditions in Beijing. In the end it was 21 year old Sammy Wanjiru who broke away from the pack in the final few kilometres to record an Olympic record in 2:06:32hrs. His waving to the crowd and clapping around the final lap was a brilliant way for the final gold in the Bird's Nest to be won. Afterwards he said 'I had to push the pace to tire the other runners. I had to push the pace because my body gets tired when I slow down.'

It was just his third marathon so I'm very impressed he has learnt to know his body so well. Very mature. Talking of which the 37 year old defending champion Stefano Baldini finished an honourable twelfth but couldn't cope with the pace the Africans set in such hot conditions. Afterwards he said 'It was incredible what the Africans managed to do in those last 10km. This was my last marathon and my last international event. I want to carry on running, but without the stress.'

Well, running 40km is often going to be a rather stressful experience, I assume of course. But I'd imagine it is ultra-rewarding. If you're a running enthusiast who's capable of 20km but fearful of 40km, here's a great article to help you on your way: http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/marathon-training.html

You're not likely to match those Africans in the final 10km but if you can complete it, you're a sporting star!