I spent years as a child watching the London Marathon on TV but you don't get the sense of just how big it is until you spectate and run it. Being in the best shape of my life last year I decided I wanted to take part. It is extremely difficult to get a ballot place so I was very fortunate to get a charity place. The fundraising is just as difficult if not more than the training for the event itself. But it gives you all the more motivation to go out there during the cold and dark Winter months.

The expo was easy enough to get to, although it was almost scuppered by the DLR going on strike. Luckily that didn't happen. Ideally go in the week, as seasoned runners advise not to go the day before the marathon to avoid being on your feet too much. There were lots of stalls and I listened to Martin Yelling during one of the talks about what to expect on race day and precautions to take because of the weather forecast. 

Transport and navigation to the start part at Greenwich Park was straight forward. Plenty of toilets at the start area but as with every race I go to I try to turn up early as possible to avoid stressing out about being late, etc. The weather conditions turned out to be the hottest on record so it was obvious that a good time wasn't going to be possible on the day. But it didn't diminish the atmosphere and the incredible crowd support. I decided against listening to music so I could soak it all in. Definitely get your name printed on your running vest/top because the sound of people shouting your name out is so motivating when it gets tough. I had no issues with the water stations or the run through showers. I thought the start pens were about right to ease some of the congestion and overall I wasn't having to dodge too many people, as we were all really having to pace ourselves in the heat. Huge respect to all those who were running in costumes, as the organisers advised against this. There were some points in the narrower streets where spectators decided to cross the roads when there clearly wasn't space to. I was lucky not to collide into one of them so I feel some extra supervision was needed in those instances. Other than that the marshals/volunteers did an amazing job and to be out in the heat for so long on the day. Also thanks to the paramedics, who had the difficult task of tending to runners who had hit trouble in the heat. 

The iconic course is something special when you are surrounded by thousands of runners and spectators. Highlights include Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Monument and off course the last stretch down the Mall by Buckingham Palace. It's certainly something I can cross off my running list and also one I would like to run again in cooler conditions. I'll certainly be giving the 2019 ballot a go.