By Jim Ruddick
Before the event runners have to pick up their numbers at the London Marathon Expo which is when the excitement really begins to start as all the runners make their way through the Excel centre. Jim was lucky enough to meet the oldest “Ever present” man running the marathon – Ken Jones.
“He is such an inspiration, he gave me some great advice and was incredibly modest about his running.” Jim said.
The day was almost perfect from a weather perspective as well, with an overcast and reasonably cold day it remained dry for the whole marathon.
Arriving in Greenwich amongst all those runners was great, the camaraderie was amazing. Jim managed to catch up with fellow KRAC runner and inspiration Katie Webster before the race was started by Andy Murray.
If you’ve never run the London Marathon the experience is incredible from start to finish crowds line the fences often 6 or more deep, shouting and cheering everyone on. The course is reasonably flat and goes past some of London’s finest landmarks, the Cutty Sark, Canary Warf, The Houses of Parliament and of course the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. Even amongst the runners there’s a feeling of being part of something special, and before you know it you’re over the Tower Bridge and beyond half way. A few of the KRAC runners were cheered on by previous members Sam and Jen Upton who had both volunteered as marshalls.
The final 6 miles are tough as you head along the embankment and back to the Mall for the ‘dream finish’.