The London 2012 Marathon takes place this April 22nd. The Virgin London’s Marathon is one of the biggest running events in the world with than 30,000 people are expected to participate in this year’s race.
The London Marathon was originally founded by Chris Brasher a former Olympic Champion and John Disley a Welsh athlete. Now in its 32nd year the Virgin London’s Marathon promises to be bigger and better than ever and is truly a once in a lifetime experience with athletes having the opportunity to run on the Olympic course in the year of the London Olympics.
The London Marathon currently holds the Guinness world record for the largest annual fund raising event in the world raising £451 million pounds since the race began 32 years ago. Thousands of spectators are expected to line the 42 km course and cheer on the brave participants with Greenwich being one of the Key areas which will be extremely busy.
The race will begin at three separate points around Blackheath and will finish in The Mall beside St. James Park. The 42.195 km (26 miles and 385 yards) course is a relatively flat course, the race beginning with a gentle downhill section and only climbing a couple of feet in a small number of places. For participants in the race there will be water stations every mile of the course and Lucozade stations at miles 4.5, 9.5, 14.5, 18.5 and 24.
On the day of the race many roads will be closed across London and travelers are advised that the best way to get around is the London Underground, South Eastern and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) For anyone who is participating or working at the marathon they are entitled to free travel on the bus, tube and the London underground, South Eastern and Docklands Light Railway. Organisers have warned people to expect long delays on the tubes and they should allow for extra time in their journeys.
Charles Tip - 'Every year participants at the London Marathon have to receive medical attention for over-hydration as opposed to dehydration so a little word of warning to those participating in the race – Don’t Drink to Much!!'