I’ve long been a runner, but in the last few years, I’ve combined a few of my passions, running and travel. Completing the World Marathon Majors has become a goal. I ran the NYC marathon years ago, and done a few others more recently. More specifically, I ran the Berlin Marathon in 2022, and talked about my time there and our stay at the Grand Hyatt Berlin. Then last April, I ran the London marathon, and in this post I’ll talk about my time in and around London before and after the race.
I’m by no means a world-class athlete, or anywhere close, but one special thing about these races, is that even the casual jogger can run in the same field a world record holders and champions. The London course even has a section of out and back, and there I saw the male and female leaders pass by heading in the opposite direction, with many of them finishing more than a hour ahead of me…
Getting to/from London
While my family joined me for the race, I stayed longer to get acclimated and hopefully well rested before the race. I flew on American, purchased an economy ticket, which I upgraded with SWU to business class. One way cleared soon after booking, the other closer to departure, but thankfully both ways were in business class. That’s one good thing about flying to London on American, there are lots of flights and with some flexibility, often there is space for upgrades. I’ve reviewed American Airlines Business Class before, I won’t repeat that here. Both ways on the Boeing 787-9, which is a comfortable way across the Atlantic.
One other possibly useful thing we used for our time in London is purchasing an eSIM for data on our mobile phones. I have T-Mobile, so get free international data, but I wanted to have better and faster data, and the price was right, so I went with a local provider for an eSIM. My wife has ATT as her carrier, and an eSIM is much easier and cheaper than paying ATT for international day passes.
Before the race
London is obviously a major tourist destination, and while 40,000 runners coming into town does make a dent in things, not everyone is even aware the race is happening. Still, there is definitely a lot of evidence of the marathon happening in the days leading up to it. Hotel prices are up, but thankfully I booked with points.
I stayed at the Andaz, and enjoy that area of east London. Not as ideally located for main tourist spots, but very accessible being adjacent to Liverpool Street station. Also, I like the variety of food in the area. One night I went for dandan noodles. Gotta carbohydrate load before the race.
The marathon expo is part of the experience of most any race, and London holds it in the ExCel, also conveniently located on the Elizabeth line.
Before the race, I struggle with a desire to explore an exciting place, but also to save my legs. Tapering before a race as well as resting is important. I’ve been to London many times, but I still got out and did some sightseeing. I checked out part of the course on a shake out run, slightly less crowded than race day:
Also been on a long running Beatles kick after watching the Get Back documentary some time ago. I was in the area, so could’t pass up walking over to the Apple Corps location on Savile Row, where their last live public performance occurred, on the roof.
Marathon Day in London, April 23, 2023
The race starts in Blackheath, in southeast London. Not a lot of hotels in this area, so most everyone from locals to visitors are taking transit to the start. Fortunately, runners are given free access to the tube and DLR services on race day. For me, I took a bus from outside my hotel, across the Thames, to London Bridge station, where I got onto a (very!) packed train to Blackheath.
From the train station, I followed the crowds to Greenwich Park, where the starting area is located. Lots of green space, plenty of room for the 40,000 or so runners. I was in one of the earlier waves, so I didn’t have to wait too long to start. But being this is the UK, of course the initially sunny skies turned to showers. Sitting in a field, under a poncho, trying to stay dry, warm, and calm my nerves before the race. Thankfully while it rained off and on most of the morning, it was never heavy. My feet did get wet by the end of the race, but not too bad.
While there were countless portalets, and lines weren’t too bad, but still, not everyone observed the sign below…
Soon it was time for my wave to go, I stowed my gear in the trucks, and headed to the starting line. The race is scenic, and running is a great way to explore a place like London. There certainly are less exciting parts of the course, but the crowd was very supportive, and in some places very packed in to cheer for everyone. I didn’t take many photos, as I was focused on my race, but I couldn’t pass up the approach to Tower Bridge:
Wet shoes caught up to me near the end, and I had some blisters. The last few hundred meters of the race turns in front of Buckingham Palace and then finishes along the mall near St. James’ Park. What a feeling.
London after the race
After races, especially marathons, its not hard to spot the runners, slowly shuffling around, especially on stairs. Lots of people wear their medals, or other race memorabilia are also giveaways of runners post-race. Most Londoners were friendly, providing cheerful feedback during and after the race. Since my wife and daughter with me, we made sure to do some touristy things, as it was my daughters first visit to the UK.
I stayed a day longer than my family, as my plan was to watch Liverpool FC play at West Ham, but the match schedule changed, so the match ended up being the same day my flight departed, so that didn’t out. But I still decided to head to the Olympic park, where West Ham plays, and explored some breweries and taprooms in the area.
Breweries are a common stop in my travels, but I’ve also been intrigued by street art. Leake Street Arches below Waterloo Station is a cool spot, and often changing with new displays. As I was walking around this area, I ended up at the Imperial War Museum nearby, which is an excellent museum I’ve visited a few times.
Other sites in London:
Heading home from London
Running marathons may be a strange way to travel, but its been a fun way for my family to go to various places. London is always a treat, and this was a nice trip for us. All good things must come to an end, and as mentioned before, my flight home was comfortable. Departing on American from London Heathrow means Terminal 3, well equipped with many excellent lounges. Always happy to visit one of my favorite lounges here, the Cathay Pacific First Class Lounge.
I also had time to explore the Qantas lounge at Heathrow Terminal 3. Which was new to me. A great lounge, but other than for excellent coffee, and some nice bars, I prefer the Cathay lounge. Especially the First lounge.
Soon I’ll be at another World Marathon Major in another favorite city of mine, Tokyo. It has been many years since I’ve been to east Asia, so I’m excited to get back, run a race, and explore Tokyo.
