London Marathon 2 Oct 2022

 

Sunday 2nd October 2022

There's one big thing that sticks in my mind that sums up the London Marathon for me: it's the charity marathon. 

It struck me right from the start corrals.  It seemed as we got ready to run that everyone's singlet or tshirt seemed to represent a charity. 

Big charities, little charities, it didn’t matter.  “Running in memory of …” or “doing this for …” was popular.  

No wonder this is the world’s largest one day fundraising event - bringing in over £50m.  That’s $90m in AUD!

 

Being the charity event meant a number of things that were important and particular to London:

1. The very special crowds

It was a beautiful sunny autumn day in London and the spectators were out in force. The crowds were enormous and everywhere along the entire 42.2kms. Not just at the start and finish lines, in fact there was nowhere they weren’t LOUD!  

The charity aspect meant that these aren't just crowds, they are 'fans'. They are the runner's supporters and they were out in force to cheer on 'their' runners.  Yes, there may have been elites to watch but the largest crowds were looking for their charity runners.  And when they saw them they went crazy!!  

Our charity, Terence Higgins Trust, raised over 53,000 GBP this year from our team. That's A$95k! and the tally is still growing :)

2. The coverage is much more than just the elites

We got back to our hotel in time to watch the one hour summary package live on BBC.   

The coverage is very different. The week prior we watched the coverage of the Berlin Marathon and that was 99% about the elites (and 90% of that was about Kipchoge).

Yes, London had a few minutes on the elites but the bulk of the show was for and about the everyday runners. Telling the charity stories - and weren’t there some rippers. 19 Guinness World Records were set on the day (not any Mr Potato Head's thankfully!) 

3. The finish line is for EVERYONE

London's finish line stayed open for the last runners to cross.  Nice touch.  While the course closed so central London's traffic could return, the finish line stayed open. The events Facebook page had the last runner as their cover photo - and not the elite runners. 

I felt like this was London's event for Londoners. It was like they were saying "this is our day, so we'll happily shut all the streets, and we'll come out in force to support our own who are raising money for London's charities". It was a happy vibe everywhere.  And after days of mourning the death of Queen Elizabeth (the funeral was the Monday just before the race), Londoner's were ready for some fun. 

 

4. Value what is hard to get

The chances of getting a spot via the ballot are nearly impossible.  More than 400,000 people apply in the ballot for an entry bib. Less than 1% of the international entries get one.  That’s another reason why charity spots are the way to go. It makes it more special. I'm all for it. 

5.  The 'fun one'

So put all this together  - great organisation, perfect weather, huge numbers of fans and runners - and it makes for a really FUN event. Everyone smiles.  And why not - they are enjoying their city, their weather, their event - and doing it all for a great range of causes.

 

NICE MOMENTS

Nice moment #1: A minute's silence for Her Majesty before the race began:

Nice moment #2: Eliud Kipchoge handing out medals!

(and this was just 7 days after he broke the World Record in Berlin). 

Imagine having the GOAT give you a medal!  Wow!  Lucky people. 

Nice moment #3: Best sign on the course that made me LOL:

"I trained for months to hold this sign" 

Saddest moment:  A 36 year old runner passed away after collapsing on course around the 23 mile mark.  Saw the ambulance.  Very sad. That reality hurt.   

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

Tower Bridge. Amazing. 

Oh look, there's The London Eye!

Big Ben

Finishing outside Buckingham Palace.  

Bravo London! Well done on an amazing event :)

ANDREW'S RATINGS!

Organisation	9		Easily a 10 but they lost 1 point for one reason -  we couldn't start together.    But really amazing organisation overall - just think what it takes to shut down the City Of London so we can run!  * The Expo = easy, simple,  * Race day = Transport to the event via free trains. Easy.  * Start area = Lots of helpful volunteers, lots of organisation, lots of space, all very easy. Bag check and security were straight forward. Corrals =  lots of portaloos, standing urinals (even for the women!), bag drop, etc. for the relatively late start time of 9.30am.  * On course = huge numbers of volunteers (thank you! :)  Lots of drinks stations (and all bottles were recycled). Gels at two points and Lucozade as well. In the corral and ready to head to the start line The only problem was we couldn't run together from the start. We put down the same expected finish time but were allocated into different start groups.  Four different start lines merge at 5km.  It was OK, just required some extra planning for when and where to meet (It also meant I had to stand and wait 5 minutes - that doesn't help your time!)
Crowd	10		As I described above, this was a fun day.  The Monday prior had been the funeral for the Queen and the period of mourning had just ended, so London was ready to come out and have some fun.
Atmosphere	10
Course	8		Big participant numbers mean if you want to be fast, then start right up the front. There were lots of walkers.  But you can't get frustrated by that.  The course is generally a little underwhelming on the whole. Lots of running through places that are non-descript and could be anywhere. Tower Bridge just before half way gives you a kick. But, oh, the last 10km - just when you need it - is special.     The Cutty Sark near Greenwich
Expo	9		Why aren't more convention centres (the usual site for Expos) closer to the city!  An easy train ride and excellent orgnisation again.
Medal	9		Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.  I always love this moment - my 5 seconds of fame!
Runner’s pack	8		Not a bad New Balance tshirt. Not included in the pack but worthy of a mention was the photo package. Best ever. Started with more than 170 photos for 33GBP.  Got it up to nearly 300 with the advanced search!   Wow!  Priceless memories.
Injuries	1		Just one black toe nail. Obviously didn't run hard enough!

Obligatory kiss the medal photo

https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/

Runjani.com

@runjanji

Good things come for those who ... keep running! - Melbourne Marathon 2021 number 10

 

 

Sunday 12th December 2021

What does it mean to the running community to be able to 'take over the streets' and run again after 26 months lock down imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic?

For me, good things really do come to those who wait .. and keep running. 

Three positive things strike me as I reflect on this year's returning Melbourne Marathon.

1. Running with friends 

 

                                                                        Teammates. 

Whoever said that running was an individual's sport is missing out on too much. 

This year I ran with friends and waved and cheered for fellow runners I spotted on the course just as loud as I would for Richmond at the MCG! 

Further, I was part of a running crew who was supported by friends (pictured above) who got out of bed at 4am and travelled to the city just to cheer us on.  They rode bikes to find us, carried drinks and supplies, ran alongside for a bit - and gave us the necessary energy boost when needed.  (Turning up the hill to the Shrine is the best case in point!)  

This is the benefit of running together. I am convinced that being part of a running community makes me a better runner. I'm so thankful for those who cheered, who trained alongside and have become such valuable friends. I share the running trials (and trails!) and tribulations with them and journey with them all year long. 

I am thankful for Diamond Valley Athletics Club and Diamond Valley Striders group. 

 

 2. Running with your entire city

My beloved city of Melbourne comes alive many, many times of the year for sporting events - cricket, AFL, tennis and more - but never more for me than when we get to 'take over the streets' and run through the very heart of the city. 

This year the wider running community was fresh and alive. The buzz was real and there was a sense of 'we're back ... finally' everywhere. 

Having been delayed from October's traditional date to December because of the pandemic meant that we could meet outside, without masks, and get on with it. 

It was such a long training build up, we were worried about December's heat, and never really knew until the last minute if it was actually going to happen.  But it did. 

I am thankful for the event organisers who continued to pursue an event date - despite the pandemic difficulties.  

                                                    And we're off!  It actually happened! 

Of course the course was the same. It's now so well known and that helps a lot. Home course advantage is really a thing. (There was just one nasty extra hill up the Shrine with the building of new station interrupting the traditional run down to St Kilda Road - does that technically make it a course PB?)

 

                                    Great app -  and great way to track your team mates live. 

3. Running with the Spartans!

In fact I should know this course well by now ... this was event number ten.  And that means achieving a running goal I set many years ago.....  

I have long looked with admiration at those who ran Melbourne in their special singlets with the word "Spartan" on them. These runners have achieved a minimum of ten races to earn that title. Five of them have even competed all 43 events run.... that is amazing. One of them, John Dobson, lives near me and I have seen him training on our local paths. 

The phrase "Go Spartan" seemed to accompany these runners everywhere they went. And deservingly so. 

This year I donned the green (10 events) singlet. I too got to experience hearing those encouraging words "Go Spartan" right throughout the day.  What a thrill.  My good mate, Tim Fearn-Wannan,  a Spartan a few years ahead of me, told me what this would be like - and it was one of those life experiences that you cant truly get your head around until you've actually lived it.  

I am thankful for the Melbourne Marathon Spartans Club.   I have often quoted Groucho Marx's line that 'he would never be a member of any club who would have him', but this Club is one I am very very proud to have joined.   

                                Being met with a handshake and a warm welcome to the Spartans Club                                                             straight after crossing the finish line was just the best.    

                                                        Next year my permanent number!  

 4. Running with my favourite person!

Adding a fourth point here - selfishly, sure - but I'm the author so I can!  It's not very often I am motivated to buy the official photos after a marathon, but this year I couldn't say no - not with images that I want to keep in my mind for years to come.  Congratulations to my amazing wife who completed her first Melbourne, absolutely smashed her PB, and can keep wearing her orange t-shirt! (in joke). 

I am thankful to being able to run life with her.

Finally, huge thanks to the medical crew at the finish line.  We needed them and I am appreciative of the volunteers and their caring help. These are among the selfish people who give up their time and day (and sleep!) so we can enjoy what we love to do.  

I am thankful for all the volunteers - the medics, the drink stations, all of them.  

Proof again that running gives you the chance to help others all around you.  

ANDREW'S RATINGS!

Organisation	9		Hats off to the organisers - they kept going and got a date. Huge logistics involved and we can only say thankyou.  The bag check was the only reason I didn't give them a 10/10. It was a disaster.  But Covid-safe measures were good and well communicated, including wrist bands and check ins. Going in December could have been a big heat risk, but the 6am start was really good. (interestingly the days either side were lousy running conditions - so thanks to the heavens for keeping us cool).
Crowd	10
Atmosphere	10		I hope I've conveyed here the feeling of what is was like to return to the streets. And, what a huge buzz it was for my running crew - we celebrated together afterwards and rode a 'high' for the rest of the week!
Course	10		It's Melbourne -  and we were allowed to run!   Also, the MCG never looked better.  Spectacular signage and displays.
Expo	0		Not held due to Covid.
Medal	9		Nice, and note how there is no date on this edition -  that's a Covid thing for sure.
Runner’s pack	0		Nothing this year. That's ok, I'm sure the landfill wasn't great from those 2020 dated t-shirts and medals that never got to see the light of day.
Injuries	2.5		2.5 black toe nails!  This could rise to 3... its slowly coming!

https://melbournemarathon.com.au/

Runjani.com

@runjanji 

 

 

Virtual London Marathon 2020 ... in my backyard!

Round and round and round we go.

This wasn't the London Marathon experience I had planned ... 

It's the Covid Marathon year. None of the majors had races for the public (Tokyo and London had elite events, which, sadly, they didn't invite me to!)

Instead we turned virtual. And I took to the backyard. 

The 40th London Marathon was supposed to be in April, then it was postponed to October, and then it was virtual only. 

Disappointments are all part of the marathon experience and they always have been. While the marathon can bring out the best in people, it also has its downsides. Pain. Injuries. Anguish. Defeat. Disappointment.

I'm always surprised when people say to me "oh, you've run plenty of marathons you'll have no problems doing another". This shows a clear lack of understanding of how each event is separate. Just because I ran one previously doesn't mean that without training and approach I can do another anytime soon. 

So disappointment was a bit of a theme:    

Disappointment for the runners

Yes, we wanted to run in April. We trained and booked flights and planned holidays around a 'big trip'. But the coronavirus had other ideas. Shutting us down. But kudos to the organisers - they kept going.

This was the 40th running of the event and they had big plans....

Disappointment for the organisers

Eliud Kipchoge vs Kenenisa Bekele. The fastest 2 marathoners ever - separated by about 2 seconds - going head to head. What a headline act..... 

Only for Bekele to pull out the day before with a calf injury (I know what that's like, I had one ten days prior to this event). That's like Federer vs Nadal for the Wimbledon final only for one to withdraw once everyone has taken their seats and the chair umpire says "Play". Anticlimax. Disappointment. 

But, true to their word, the organisers enabled all of us to participate with a virtual edition of the event. 

Disappointment for the charities

One of the things that impresses me about London's event is how its a massive fundraiser. The biggest single day fundraising event on the planet. 66m last year - and that's pounds, not Aussie dollars.  So double that for the conversion rate. 

This year their charity sector is going to have a huge hole. My charity, Terence Higgins Trust, were fantastic the whole way through. Great communication and constant affirmation that "your spot is safe". 

Disappointment for the runners. 

We trained and trained but, alas, a virtual was the only alternative.   

Hardly a European vacation on offer, but I decided that I was keen to be involved (FOMO took over big time I admit) and the uniqueness of the idea took hold. 

Disappointment of Covid-19

Now there was another twist of the pandemic that impacted the idea of running in Melbourne. Thanks to the pandemic we had been in lockdown for the most important part of the lead up. We could only go outside for 1 hour a day and go no further than 5km from our home. Hardly good marathon preparation!  We couldn't join our friends at our running club or run with more than 1 other person.  Suffice to say that a proper training programme just did.not.happen. 

Round and round and round and .....

Planning for the day became part of the fun.  How many laps around our backyard would it take?  Time was not an issue - first because of the lack of training there was no time goal and second, because we had 24 hours to complete it in.  This meant I could start at 10am my time (midnight in London) and take as long as necessary. 

Sunday dawned and a rather freak 28 degrees in Melbourne was counterbalanced by 50mm of rain in London!   Such a contrast. 7kms around my impromptu 400m loop course started the day, followed by my (now extended) 2 hours of "freedom" outside my home doing a half marathon distance. (I even saw a small group of people wearing 'virtual London marathon' tshirts and had a little chat with them!). Then it was back home and around and around and around ,.....

I appreciated some company on our 2 hours of freedom ...

It was so different though. I had set up a little drinks/snacks refueling table outside and, given the humidity and heat, even took my time to have a shower, and changed running outfit 3 times! 

Just 'cos I  could!

This was not a 'pain program' (like a race is where in your head you constantly repeat "push, push"), this was a participation event that required totally different tapping into yourself.  No crowds to cheer you on, no adrenaline, no incredible locations - just round and round and round ....

The closest I got to Big Ben was seeing my son, Benjamin!

My 'CheerDogs' gave up and watched from the comfort of inside!

The London team had put together an app to track your distance and also give motivational messages at every mile marker.  The messages were great (like "You're passing 10km and you would have been on the Tower Bridge.....) even if the distance accuracy wasn't too flash - compared to my running watch the app made me cover an additional mile!  

The finish line was a very unmomentous middle of my driveway announcement with a fake crowd 'cheer'.  Not even my dogs raised their heads.  

The CheerDogs quickly got bored with my running in circles ...

No-one applauded. No-one gave me a medal (although one will be sent in the mail) or a celebratory drink. No, I would have to find satisfaction within. But was this disappointing? No!  There was a connection. I felt like I had participated with 45,000 other international runners. I felt like I was a marathoner again. 

So a very different experience, but one not to be disappointed about at all. 

Also, thanks to Terence Higgins Trust I have my entry ticket for next year's 41st London Marathon on October 3rd 2021 to look forward to.  And, hopefully,  to train, to plan, to vacation and to go all out at. Will it happen? Who knows?  I pray for those making vaccines and those trying to allow us to conduct big events again, 

Will it be another story of disappointment?   I don't think so.  I can't see how you can be disappointed with participating.  Once competing and worrying about your time goes out the window (because you have no control over covid) it can't be disappointing. 

I ran, I fundraised, I helped others, I helped myself.  That's why I run - and that's why I'll never be disappointed. 

At the end of the days running, I sat back on the couch with a beer (thanks Dan)  and watched the broadcast of the elite events. Amazing. The men's finish; incredible. Sara Hall (one of my favs - below) in the women's finish ; breathtaking. The men's wheelchair race; 6 within seconds; wow. 

There were many disappointments amongst these events. And there always will be in marathons. Eliud Kipchoge - the G.O.A.T - who finished 8th (and first time not winning for years) said it with typical grace: 

“I’m truly disappointed, but, all in all, this is sport. Sport is run by today you are up, tomorrow you are down.

"It's what normally happens in sport. Its not the end of the world. Its not suicide for Eliud Kipchoge to be beaten. I have more marathons. I will come back again". 

So will I. 

Just what you need to help recovery after a hot sweaty 28 degrees - a hot dog! 

ANDREW'S RATINGS!

Organisation	10		Hats off to London organisers. What a crap situation they had to plan through.  But they get top marks for perseverance and for delivering an elite spectacle and a mass virtual event.  Was it perfect? (The app, the comms, the system) No, but it was bloody good.  But they enabled us to run, To engage. To dream. To train, To find motivation.  Thank you,
Course	1
Atmosphere	1		Hahahaha. I have to laugh, Its interesting to see what I include in my rating system. Course - atmosphere - crowds. Obviously these are the things I rate as important for the big marathon experiences.
Crowds	1		That score is for my dogs - they could have done better!!
Expo	0		Not relevant
Medal	9		Nice to get 'the 40th' medal posted out. And I hear they have included a little tag update so you can include the updated date.  I got this one 'virtually' as soon as I crossed the 'finish line'.
Runner’s pack	6		Apparently we also get a tshirt in the post - haven't seen it yet. I like how they keep it secret!
Injuries	0		No pain = no injuries.  Best recovery ever!

Sunday 4th October 2020

https://www.virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/

Runjani.com

@runjanji