By Sports Editor, Steve Skerry

Standard Sport, Thursday, November 10, 2005, 117

“The occasion really got to me as I crossed the finish line,” said Matthews.

“It was a strange moment after the finish because I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to get up the next day and run. It was an adventure every day and it took a while to sink in that it was over but it was a fantastic feeling.”

When quizzed why he chose the Himalayas race, he said: “I wanted to do something different that not many people had done. Marathons are great and I’ll carry on doing them.

“But the Himalayan Stage Race has been going for 15 years and not many people have done it. It’s only held once a year with less than 100 people each time compared to the London marathon where 35,000 people do it.

“It’s unique and gives you the chance to really test yourself.”

“It’s been a superb experience and finishing in the top 10 overall was beyond my expectations.”

“But view of the mountains, the camaraderie of the runners and the support from the villagers throughout the race has been phenomenal”.

“Crossing the line each day is such a good feeling and you could burst into tears every time as every day is so special.”