As Momentum Sports had 12 athletes running in this years marathon, I thought I would go up and watch.  I took advice of where to go, how to get there, how to spot people and just how much fun it was all going to be.

I left REALLY early and drove up to just south of the river and grabbed the first parking space I found (only to later see at least 100 spaces in various places nearer my destination - doh!).  It was about 3 miles to where I'd agreed to meet some other spectators so off I set at a jog - in all my warmest gear - in the sun!  You guessed it, I started to feel very hot (I'm sure most people wouldn't be dumb enough to run in t-shirt, two sweatshirts, a waterproof top and ski trousers!).  At one point I thought I wouldn't make it and the "Wall" was truly being hit - and then Tower Bridge and a sea of humanity hoved into view.

At this point the London Marathon came alive - I just missed the Elite Women going past, but even those just behind got a huge roar, which must be fantastic as a competitor.  There were banners, flags, whistle and so so many people.  It was great.

I went over the bridge and and turned right along the only part of the course where you can see runners going both ways.  Thousands of people lined the route, but eventually I met my friends and got a good vantage point and watched the top guys go out and back and the top women going back past the 22 mile point.  They are shifting! - and for over 2 hours!!!!!!

And then the mass of humanity started flowing past and just kept flowing.  Picking out the athletes I've been helping was impossible (I saw one of the 12!), but it was still great - even a couple of heavy cloud bursts didn't dampen the spirits.

So - a great day out and one to be thoroughly recommended to all - I had no idea who had won (you need a TV for that), but it was a very different experience to the goggle box and one everyone should try at least one (even if you are not running!)