Nearly every year I run London Marathon from finish to start at 2am before the race, sometimes I get to run the race too.
Yes, you read that correctly, and I’m not doing it on my own. In years gone by there used to be a small handful of runners that you’d find loitering, groggy eyed, at the end of birdcage walk in the early hours: Now there are huge numbers of runners that do this, whether they didn’t get into the race or just wanted to join in on the world event that is The London Marathon.
At number 1 Birdcage Walk, The Institute of Mechanical Engineers, where the road is closed runners gather awaiting for the clock to strike on the hour and then start their run on the marathon route in reverse.
People start at different times, and it’s become a significant affair. At midnight runners, numbering into the hundreds, set off and are able to follow the marathon route due to the mile markers in place and the dotted blue line marking the measured route on the ground.
I’ve met and kept friends over the years at this annual pilgrimage, often I’ve encouraged some wonderful friends to go along and always meet some strangers that become friends too!
Seeing London fall asleep and wake up again on the morning of such a huge world event never tires.
Our aim is to arrive just after 8am for a beer or zero as the hot air ballons go up and the runners are arriving for the race so stop for breakfast and coffee with a few miles to go; this gives us a chance to check we’re on time and adjust as necessary.
We finished and got to spectate, seeing the start and then supporting Susan as much as we could without sleep and in the crowds. She did brilliantly, of course!
Next year I’m going to do the double again and fundraise for Heart Research UK so why not join me at 2am for my warm up before I run the race?
(many thanks to Grazzle for the ace group photo at the Cutty Sark)
