With just over a week till the London Marathon 2018, runners are beginning to feel the nerves, cramming in last minute preparations to ensure the are ready when the big day rolls around. The London Marathon takes place on the 22nd April this year, with the Queen pressing the button to begin the race (remotely) at ten o’clock at Windsor Castle. It’s the first time in the race’s history she has done so, and the third time for a member of the royal family (according to The Standard.co.uk). The route spans across London, starting in Blackheath, through Greenwich, through central London and finally finishing at Buckingham Palace. This year over 39,000 runners are expected to finish with the support of many thousands who line the streets to watch.

The race consists of both amateur runners and elite performers who have all trained to be able to participate in this race, whether they are running, jogging or walking it. This year the likes of Caitriona Balfe, the Golden Globe nominee is running her first marathon for World Child Cancer and Jack Ashton from “Call the Midwife” is running for the Campaign Against Living Miserably. There are also 90 world records that extraordinary people are attempting to beat this year according to the Guinness World Records website. An especially interesting record that is being attempted this year is by Michelle Frost, who is attempting to beat her own record of six hours and thirty minutes by running the marathon in stilts to raise money for motor neuron disease.

A first-time marathon runner Jodie Grover told me “running the marathon has been a dream of mine since I was 8 years old, and I am running it this year as a challenge to myself following my recent spine surgery in the summer of 2017. In preparation for the marathon, I have been following a training plan where I  run three to four times a week. My goal is to just finish the marathon and I am very excited to finally participate in the race, as it’s the first time in 9 years I have been accepted a place in the ballot.”

To support those running the race, you can view miles 12-13 on Tower Bridge. For, those with children watching a parent or family member a great place to view mile 17 is Mudchute Farm , but to view the runners crossing the final mile of the great race, you can watch at the meet up posts in Horse Guards Road and Horse Guards Parade. The race is also broadcasted on TV for those who are too far to watch the race in London.

Morgan Grover 

Ursuline High School Wimbledon