The London Marathon from ‘The Other Side’

Although I was gutted not to be able to run the marathon this year, I was determined to be there and soak up the atmosphere cheering on other runners.  As a novice spectator I was guided by Richard, Janine’s husband , a veteran, as to where to follow the race.  I hadn’t realised what a technical job it was being a supporter – tracking the runners on the internet used up a full battery on my phone throughout the day.

After a sustaining breakfast at Greasy Joe’s in Limehouse, we made our way to Narrow Street about the 14 mile mark, where we met Katy and her children.  We were there in plenty of time to see the lead runners who sped past in the blink of an eye.  They seemed to like running in packs!  The runners were still quite sparse when Rob appeared, not acknowledging his fan club jumping up and down and practically standing in front of him.  A surprise appearance from Mike Halman got us screaming again.  This time we were rewarded with a wave and a smile.  Steve Smith also was too much in the zone (or as he told me afterwards already in pain!) to see us.  Andy Watts looked as comfortable as on a training run.  Phil Smith looked tired already but was obviously making good time. Janine was ‘on time’ looking very relaxed if a little wet with the water over the head treatment.  Still to come were Patrick and Steve Russell – no sign.  Apparently Patrick was a step behind Janine but as I had turned my head to offer Janine jelly babies I managed to miss him! A lesson to be learnt – Patrick – always wear club colours!  Andy Dodd , Gareth and Julie looked very happy and relaxed.  The Green family were delighted to cheer on Dad, Fergus, running for Anthony Nolan.

The next port of call was the 21 mile mark only a stone’s throw away on the main road.  Katy’s children did a sterling job giving out jelly babies.  There was more take up for these now.  Luckily the runners didn’t notice the state of Daniel’s hands – the dirt would have given them extra protein! 

Having tracked various WRC runners we knew that they would be passing us soon.  We were in time to see Andy W ,Andy D , Janine, Steve R, Gareth and Fergus who were all running on ‘our’ side of the road.  By this stage some of the runners (not our runners of course!) were walking but nobody looked in a state of collapse as they had done in the hot weather in Wilmslow.

We now had to make our way back to Embankment and the finish.  We took the DLR to Tower Hill but one look at the crowds trying to get to the tube and we decided to return on foot (or by piggy back in Imogen’s case).  We were walking parallel to the runners along Embankment and although the crowds were three deep I managed to spot Nina looking grimly determined but too exhausted to hear me screaming her name. 

We took the short cut via the Strand to get to the finish where we eventually tracked down a triumphant Janine.  I had hoped to meet up with my goddaughter who finished in 5 ½ hours.  Rush hour in a marathon is about the five hour mark.  The police were stopping spectators  going through to the ‘meet and greet’ area such was the throng.  As it started pouring with rain and my phone was running out of battery so it was impossible to contact anyone I decided it was time to make my way to the tube which was a challenge in itself.  Runners were still coming in at the 6 ½ hour time – mostly walking but still upright!

I felt quite exhausted both emotionally and physically at the end of the day .  I’d better take it easy until next Sunday when I’ll be out with my jelly babies again at the Manchester marathon!

Nicky