What makes the TCS London Marathon special compared to other races you’ve been part of?
The London Marathon is the largest one-day charity event in the world. On race day you’ll see thousands of runners in charity vests, all participating to support a greater cause. You’ll also see people in fancy dress. In the US we would say costumes, but honestly, I’m not sure one word really captures the incredible things people manage to run 26.2 miles in.
You might have seen photos of runners dressed as rhinos or Big Ben, but that’s only a small sampling. Every year there are thousands of creative variations, things you’d never expect, like the man who ran with a fridge strapped to his back or groups running together in a giant caterpillar suit. It’s something special to witness, a unique blend of whimsy and meaning that feels distinctly London.
What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone preparing for the London Marathon for the first time?
London is a top-notch experience from the expo to the finish line. Everything is incredibly well organised and the whole weekend runs smoothly.
My one piece of advice is simple: be mindful around the aid stations. London uses plastic bottles for hydration, which are very convenient for drinking but can become a hazard underfoot. As runners, we should make sure to dispose of them properly in the bins provided. If you don’t see a bin, move to the side of the course and toss it there rather than dropping it in the middle of the road.
A little consideration goes a long way. And as a runner, keep your head on a swivel when passing through the stations. The bottles are great for hydration, but you don’t want to find yourself tripping mid-race.
A little consideration goes a long way.
What should runners know about race week in London?
London is one of my favourite cities anywhere in the world, largely because of its incredible range of history, culture and things to experience. Beyond running, I’m a big lover of history and the arts, and London has both in abundance.
While this isn’t specific to race week, I would absolutely use the days around the marathon to explore the city. Take advantage of the sites, monuments, museums, exhibitions and theatre London has to offer. After all, you wouldn’t travel to Egypt and skip the pyramids.
From a running perspective, I also highly recommend parkrun. I’m what you might call a parkrun collector, meaning I try to visit as many different locations as possible. Fortunately, the greater London area has plenty to choose from. It’s free, incredibly fun, and a great way to involve friends or family who might want to join in.
What moment from your London Marathon experience stands out most?
I’ve run London twice and loved both experiences, but my first was particularly memorable. It was the delayed 2021 race, which took place in October and became the first of the Abbott World Marathon Majors to return after the pandemic.
It was also the first race I ran that felt like a true return to normal marathon racing. After 18 months of social distancing, masks and rolling starts, the experience of lining up alongside thousands of other runners felt almost surreal. Later that same autumn I ran Boston and New York, but both still had several pandemic measures in place.
In London, it felt like stepping briefly onto another planet. But that planet was joyful. After such a long period of isolation, you realise how meaningful it is simply to run, or even stand, alongside thousands of people from all walks of life. I think the spectators needed it just as much as the runners. It felt like a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel. Twenty-six point two miles of pure joy, and something I’ll never forget.
What is the one thing you hope every London Marathon participant takes away from the race?
The London ballot is famously difficult to win, precisely because the experience is so special. If you have the chance to run, by whatever route you secured your entry, you are one of the lucky few.
Take time to appreciate it. You’ll be running through one of the world’s great cities on a course that showcases it beautifully: Greenwich, the Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the London Eye, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and finally The Mall. Along the way you’ll be cheered by some of the most enthusiastic spectators you will ever encounter.
What’s not to love?
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