16,417

W = Reporter    M = Jim
W: Hello Jim. I’m from your local newspaper the Daily Post and I’d like to ask you some questions about the London marathon race that you’ve just finished.
M: That’s right. What would you like to know?
W: Firstly, for the benefit of our readers, exactly how long is the marathon?
M: It’s 26 miles 385 yards, or if you’d like it in metric it’s 42,195 kilometers.
W: Thanks. Now how many runners were there altogether?
M: More than ever this year... there were 16,417.
W: My goodness, that’s a lot! What position did you finish in the race, Jim?
M: Well, I’m quite pleased with my performance. I came 2,014th.
W: That’s better than last year, isn’t it?
M: Yes, I finished 3,470th then--but it was my first effort.
W: By the way, what time did the race start today?
M: 9 o’clock. And the winner finished at 11:30.
W: So he took two and a half hours. That’s excellent. How long did you take?
M: Three and three quarter hours--but I know I can do better. Did you know that the record is 2 hours 10 minutes?
W: I didn’t know. That’s fantastic! Do you know how long the slowest runner took?
M: No... he hasn’t finished yet!