London 10,000 2018

I ran the London 10,000 for the first time five years ago in 2013 and it holds some great memories: it was the first time I experienced a big, well-organised running event, and it had me hooked. I took part again during 2014, 2016 and 2017 and couldn’t wait to return in 2018.

Travel on Monday 28^th May was easy, with a direct train from Tunbridge Wells arriving into Charing Cross at 9am. I walked along the Mall to the Event Village in Green Park, which contained catering and beverage carts, deckchairs, portaloos and entertainment.

I’d consumed a banana, Graze Protein Bite and a mug of Truestart coffee, but didn’t feel great – I’ve had a nasty cough and cold over the last ten days so still need to blow my nose and suck on soothers at regular intervals. I was worried that running like this would affect my asthma as my chest feels quite heavy, so the plan was so take the run slow and steady and not apply any pressure to myself.

The weather was super muggy – no sun and quite cloudy, but it felt about 20C+. I was wearing a thin Adidas vest, Adidas headband, USA Pro sport bra, USA Pro cropped leggings and Brooks Ravenna 8 trainers with black 1000 Mile trainer socks, but still felt too hot at points during the run.

The well-organised colour-coded starting pens were manned by event staff who checked to confirm that runners were in the right wave. This is imperative for good organisation and works really well. There were four waves in total; I was in the second wave (Black) and we set off around 4-5 minutes after the first wave went at 10am, with a fun countdown and motivating music. The course, as always for the London 10,000 event, was lined with supporters/general public and charities, with a number of bands and singers along the route; I personally love this touch. The two Buxton water stations were well staffed, and cleaners were efficiently removing the empty cups and bottles from the pavement without getting in anyone’s way. The sprinkler ‘showers’ en route were a welcome feature and seemed to be popular, too – I found it really refreshing! The atmosphere was amazing and I felt proud to be running a beautiful, scenic course amongst thousands of other runners.

The Finish Line was wide with a large digital clock on display, and an organised production line of sorts where volunteers snipped off the timing tag from all runners’ shoes. We were funnelled down the side of Buckingham Palace toward Green Park, where volunteers hung large bespoke medals around necks and participants could pick up a goody bag containing a bespoke event t-shirt by New Balance, Buxton water, Lucozade, Pukka teabag and can of juice.

Photographers lined up just after the exit to take pictures of runners with their medals, and the whole Finishing element seemed seamless and well managed. I found my cheerleader with ease and we exited the event village without trouble or queues. I didn’t have to use the baggage drop so can’t comment on that, but the whole experience was very positive and I’m so glad I took part. My lungs held up, I felt good and thankfully managed to run the whole 6.2 miles without having to blow my nose!

I paid £33 to register for this race as a Late Entrant (because I kept forgetting to sign up!), and as usual, I can’t believe the quality and high standards. Other events charge around £50 entry and don’t supply goody bags, colour-coded start pens, this amount of photography or even half this level of organisation. I would always highly recommend the London 10,000 event to anyone and everyone. If you’re going to take part in a London 10K, it without a doubt has to be this one. See you next year!   🙂

NEXT UP: Race for Life 5K (Tunbridge Wells) on Sunday 3rd June

 

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