With 99 days to the much anticipated Olympic
Games, what better way to begin the patriotic participation than watching the
Virgin London Marathon? For the past 4 years my family and I have enjoyed a
full free day out at the event, and 2 years ago my Dad took the plunge and ran
for MENCAP – making the family very proud.
The London Marathon has been running for 31 years, with almost 35,000 insane individuals taking place last year. Watching, for me, is both
embarrassing and inspirational. When you see people old enough to be your grandparents puffing over the finish line, it makes you proud to be British. The
atmosphere is great with cheers of support from the crowds to all participants.
Many runners in fancy dress – last years include; a giant nurse, a group bus
and Danger Mouse to name but a few. Another
highlight of the race is – ‘celeb spotting’, every year we have seen a number
of ‘celebs,’ and celebrities running this year include; Will Young, Gordon
Ramsey, Linda Barker, Nell McAndrew, Iwan Thomas and many more.
Mile 13 (The Highway, London Borough of Tower Hamlets) is a great place to watch as you get
to see both sides of the race, although this area can get a little busy. If you
arrive around 11am you should be able to get a front row view around Tower Hill
underground station (this is my favourite spot and where I will be this year).
The finish line (The Mall, City of Westminster) is a brilliant place to watch,
although it can be very busy, so arrive early to get a good spot. An
interactive map and other information for the race can be found on the Virgin
London Marathon website: http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/ .
The Virgin London Marathon takes place this Sunday (22nd April).
(Tower Hill is accessed
via both Circle and District lines and Fenchurch Street Over ground C2C
services. Although the Circle line has a ‘good service’ this weekend there are
some closures on the District line - Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 April, suspended
between Richmond and Turnham Green. Rail replacement buses operate. Bus
service: between Turnham Green and Richmond, calling at Chiswick Park,
Gunnersbury and Kew Gardens. See – www.tfl.gov.uk for other closures this weekend.)
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