I was actually really pleased to get the opportunity to take part in the London Marathon for the second time in three years. I felt in 2016 I was extremely nervous and that impacted it all, doing your first marathon is a daunting task! So back in London for 2018, I was very relaxed in the build up to it all. Throughly enjoying the expo and talking to fellow runners. 

Blue Start - Pen 4 

The train was packed on route to the start line at Blackheath but luckily it wasn’t too far to go from London Bridge. Everything is in the information sent out and I decided that was the easiest for me to get to with no chances on the tube from Kings Cross. I was on my own but it wasn’t long before I was talking to different people. 

The new wave start meant once the race started at 10am you had to wait a little before getting to the start line, which I think made it even more exciting. From pen 4 I crossed the start line around 16 minutes after 10, which I didn’t think was too bad and we had plenty of room to get started. 

The weather = HOT 

Unfortunately for everyone running the weather forecast was right it was hot and it was sunny. Must have been perfect for the spectators, who were out in full force. It was breathtaking how many people were lined throughout, shouting, cheering and encouraging every single runner. The heat was unbearable at times and I think the best word to describe the run was brutal! 

Something I love about a race like this one is talking to fellow runners along the way, when you are both struggling and decide to run together for a while helping each other step by step. 

The extra water stations and showers were outstanding. Following the instructions that were sent out via email a few times before the race as well as a text message at 5am. We were all more than told to drink, douse and help other runners. I passed on water a few times! 

The route is pretty flat with a few inclines, the highlights have to be running over tower bridge and then finishing past Buckingham Palace on a The Mall. Follow the blue line to not run extra distance, something I gave up with and ended up running an extra .4 miles according on my Garmin. 

It is certainly an emotional run and the organisation is spot on from expo, to start and throughout. I must also mention how incredible the St John’s Ambulance teams were throughout the course and at the finish line. 

The bag drops and pick ups are very straight forward and organised so well! It’s honestly a fantastic run to take part in. Hopefully though it will never be this hot again.