This was my 11th time running the London Marathon (some ballot some club places) but this was very different as I was part of the official Runners World pace team. The pace team was increased for the first time in 2019 to cover up to 7.30hrs and I was asked to pace 5.30 from the blue start with Suman who had flown in from Birmingham Alabama USA. As usual the race pack collection is from the running show held at the Excel centre in London which is open from Weds to Sat before the race. I was part of the New Balance team at the expo offering any help and guidance from a pacing point of view so that was great to meet lots of excited runners.

On race day the pace team met at Blackheath just after 8 for final kit checks, photos and then distribution into the correct start corals. It’s such a large event runners are split between 3 start areas and based in pens depending on predicted finish times. Each start corals is set off at set times giving the whole field chance to spread out a little and make things less congested on the course. Suman and I started at the front of pen 8 and unfortunately we didn’t cross the start line until 11.05 which I think is far too late to start a major city marathon. The weather was chilly at the start but overall great conditions for distance running. We had a great group with us from the start and quite a few stuck with us for the whole race. London is always so well supported and the crowds were amazing as always, especially at Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and Embankment. Suman and I tried to run a steady and consistent pace throughout the race utilising the water stations in the later stages for our group to take on fluid and stretch their legs. We crossed the finish line in 5.29.29 which was perfect and had lots of happy runners gaining PB’s. After high fives and pictures it was time collect a lovely medal and technical t-shirt. (Mediums already run out!)

Overall I absolutely love London and if you enjoy big city events you definitely will too. Organisation is first class, the route is interesting passing some of London’s most famous landmarks and the marshals and aid stations are all superb. The hardest thing about London is gaining a place through the ballot. I had a great time pacing this year and I hope to be given the opportunity to return in 2020.