The 31st London Marathon

Charles Barclay

Charles Barclay

Once again, it is that time of year for the London Marathon. One of the biggest running events in the world and also coveted enough to be one of the top five international marathons spread over an impressive – and challenging – 26 miles. It was once merely a twinkle in the eyes of former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and Welsh athlete Jon Disley. In 1981, Brasher and Disley solidified a sponsorship deal with Gillette and the London Marathon was born. Londoners have welcomed it every spring since. Aside from Gillette, the Marathon has been sponsored by Mars, ADT, Nutrasweet, Flora and has an on-going deal with Virgin Money. Organised by the former 10,000m world record holder, David Bedford as Race Director, the race course is pre-dominantly alongside the River Thames on even ground. Giving the runners calm scenery to keep them distracted from their aching body and sweaty attire. The Marathon begins at three separate points for different groups of runners around Blackheath, the groups being: Mass Race, Elite Woman, Elite Men and Wheelchair. Though there are three separate starting points, the routes all converge in Woolwich and finishes for everyone in The Mall. Since its launch, the finish line has only been re-directed twice from its original location in Constitution Hill. The London Marathon currently – and proudly – holds the Guinness world record as the largest annual fund raising event in the world. Since 1981, it has raised a staggering £450m for charity. Last year the official charity was Oxfam, this year it has been confirmed that the joint official charity is the Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care – Team PB. The money raised this year will be supporting people affected by prostate and breast cancer. Part of the money is to subsidise the creation of new services that will promote physical activity for people living with these diseases. If you were/know any of the runners taking part this year or if you have any thoughts you’d like to share then record a wink to this video wall!

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The 31st London Marathon

Event Date: 23/04/2012

Once again, it is that time of year for the London Marathon. One of the biggest running events in the world and also coveted enough to be one of the top five international marathons spread over an impressive – and challenging – 26 miles. It was once merely a twinkle in the eyes of former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and Welsh athlete Jon Disley. In 1981, Brasher and Disley solidified a sponsorship deal with Gillette and the London Marathon was born. Londoners have welcomed it every spring since. Aside from Gillette, the Marathon has been sponsored by Mars, ADT, Nutrasweet, Flora and has an on-going deal with Virgin Money. Organised by the former 10,000m world record holder, David Bedford as Race Director, the race course is pre-dominantly alongside the River Thames on even ground. Giving the runners calm scenery to keep them distracted from their aching body and sweaty attire. The Marathon begins at three separate points for different groups of runners around Blackheath, the groups being: Mass Race, Elite Woman, Elite Men and Wheelchair. Though there are three separate starting points, the routes all converge in Woolwich and finishes for everyone in The Mall. Since its launch, the finish line has only been re-directed twice from its original location in Constitution Hill. The London Marathon currently – and proudly – holds the Guinness world record as the largest annual fund raising event in the world. Since 1981, it has raised a staggering £450m for charity. Last year the official charity was Oxfam, this year it has been confirmed that the joint official charity is the Prostate Cancer Charity and Breast Cancer Care – Team PB. The money raised this year will be supporting people affected by prostate and breast cancer. Part of the money is to subsidise the creation of new services that will promote physical activity for people living with these diseases. If you were/know any of the runners taking part this year or if you have any thoughts you’d like to share then record a wink to this video wall!