London Marathon
Winner Wanjiru etc.35,000 raced through the streets of London today in one of the world's most popular marathons.
Shadwell in East London is a popular viewing spot as the competitors run from the 13 to 14 mile mark, looping east to return to the same stretch of road for the 21 to 22 mile marks. The elite women runners were first through, followed by the wheelchair men. The pace was cracking - real chills down the spine stuff.
One of the stewards wondered why she hadn't seen Paula Radcliffe. I had some bad news for her: Britain's most famous marathon runner had to withdraw due to a broken toe. Of all the stupid things, eh?
The elite men runners arrived in a bunch, but on the return journey had become as spread out as the women. They ran against a backdrop of mass runners. Now, that must suck, having run 13.5 miles and seeing the elites going by having done 21.5. Though perhaps worse is sweating away and then seeing stewards sauntering casually down the line, licking ice creams.
As is traditional, a number of mass runners wore costumes. In news that will please one young man of my acquaintance, Spiderman beats Superman and Batman.
Also, it looked like there was a special on Minnie Mouse costumes.
It was quite a surprise to see how many charities were cheering on their runners. Apparently, the London Marathon raises an unusually high amount of money, with most of the competitors racing on behalf of a charity. Though it has to be said that when a purple shirt ran by, I suddenly appreciated the competitors who had names on their shirts. "Go Amnesty" is fine, but "Go Alzheimer's" makes you feel a bit daft.
Anyway, it was hours before I could tear myself away from the humbling and hypnotic sight of all these racers going by. Awesome day.