Thanks! Well done to Glen and Anita! Great results! Hope you are celebrating in style. Also congratulations to Kerry for a time of 2:43 – I’m sure that’s far better than he hoped after missing several weeks of training.
Yes, wonderful day. London crowd are definitely the best! I had my name displayed above my race number and had dozens of people shout for me. Fantastic!
The day started well with a boat trip from the hotel walkway to Greenwich – felt like royalty. With good luck messages from many of you, it was great to have so much support. Once into the Blue Start area I could hear the announcer on the PA system say that we looked more like the crowd at Glastonbury (sitting about on the grass enjoying the sunshine) than people about to run a marathon.
With a brief warm-up I went to Zone 5 and waited for “The Start”, though it took a few minutes to reach the line. After that, everything was brilliant, especially the crowds. I’d been well warned not to waste energy trying to weave around, but there was no chance of that – it was hard to move at all… It must have been 3 or 4 miles before there was any chance of moving along, but after waiting 2.5 years to get there I didn’t mind. Yes, Colin, I passed the Masai warriors at about 5 miles – even managing to say “Jambo” (Hello) as I ran, and receiving a smile and “Jambo” in return from the lead runner. The crowds roared for them. Also passed a couple of Scotsmen in “See you Jimmy” hats and waving saltires – everyone loved them, too! Lots of fantastic fancy dress outfits.
The weather was perfect (sunny, not too warm) until about 10 miles when the wind and rain arrived, but I’d rather that than the heat that Moira and the others suffered last year. By the time I reached Tower Bridge there were spectators on every inch of the route. I can’t believe the enthusiasm and encouragement that they gave. By halfway, I realised that I was starting to develop blisters, but thankfully no problems with my knee.
Reaching Canary Wharf was a target I was glad to achieve because although I was getting tired I knew the rest of the route and the crowd were even more supportive.
Alan had promised to be waiting between 24 and 25 miles but I couldn’t see him anywhere – turned out that he went up onto Waterloo Bridge to get a better view. I was relieved to see The London Eye and then Big Ben and I stayed near the side of the road in order to get as much support as possible. Everyone said the last 800 metres seems to go on forever and it did – even with a view of Buckingham Palace and The Mall. But I made it under 4 hours which is all I wanted.
If you haven’t run London yet then get it onto your wish list. Wonderful crowds, excellent organisation and a day never to be forgotten. Superb!