The inaugural London Landmarks Half Marathon was, overall, an amazing and unique experience.
I was one of lucky ones who was able to get a place when it first went on sale (hoping I’ll be as lucky for next year!). In the lead up to the race the communication and information from the organisers was excellent.
The race pack was really good and the technical tshirt was a really good quality and I liked receiving it before the race so I could wear it on the day to run in.
On the day the start waves were not monitored or adhered to. I was in the last wave so arrived a little earlier to soak up the pre-race atmosphere but was a little disappointed to see that I could have started earlier as the start was more or less a free for all.
The course itself was really good and it was such an experience running in the centre of London. I’m not planning on ever doing the London Marathon so to run a half there is my bucket list tick. I felt as though all the turn backs & turn around in the city were good however at times it felt quite repetitive.
Crowd support and support from charities was good for a first time event. Hopefully crowd support will grow year on year for this event. A did see a few Marshall’s who looked as though they were not interested at all but that was a very small minority as in the main the volunteers were very supportive.
The oncourse activities and events really helped and again provided much needed support especially in the later miles. The bells at Bow being one of the highlights of the day.
Unfortunately for the slower runners (myself included) the water stations ran out of energy drinks by the time we got to them but there was still plenty of water for all.
The medal is one of the best I’ve had and to have Pearly Kings & Queens and Chelsea Pensioners at the finish was a unique touch. There was no “goody bag” at the end but again there was water, energy drinks and cereal bar snacks handed out to all finishers.
All in all this event was well organised and I can’t wait for next year.