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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
 Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 1:11:57 PM
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I thought I'd start a thread for those of us running in the London Marathon this year to share info about where we'll be, numbers, which start we're assigned to, etc, etc.
I sent off my form and cheque to take up my club place in late December. The closing date for these entries was Jan 9th so I'm hoping to get the confirmation and info through soon... To the other club place runners: Please post here if you receive yours!
tyvm 
Two marathons in two months in aid of Cancer Research - please sponsor me at http://justgiving.com/mdunn
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Dips
4076 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 2:34:03 PM
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Hi Matt, you won't receive confirmation, but you can check to see if your cheque has been cashed.
Next you will hear is in March when they send out the final information packs.
Feel free to ask away on here...I'm happy to help where I can.
Dips x
"If you ever get a second chance in life for something, you've got to go all the way."
- Lance Armstrong
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 2:59:14 PM
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aah ok..
I'm just after some basic info which I assume would have been in the initial info pack, but of course I didn't get one of those. Stuff like what time the race starts, what time it's recommended to get to the start, etc. I want to work out whether I'm best staying somewhere nearby the night before and, if so, getting it booked.
I tried the FLM website but there appears to be a major lack of useful info on there.
Two marathons in two months in aid of Cancer Research - please sponsor me at http://justgiving.com/mdunn |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 3:23:31 PM
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| oh, on travel - they have special trains that run from various stations. I had no problems last year (except for a train being cancelled and having to find a different station), although they can get quite crowded |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 3:31:38 PM
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Aaah, thanks.. I thought 'Support' referred to info for Supporters and ignored that bit.. doh!
Two marathons in two months in aid of Cancer Research - please sponsor me at http://justgiving.com/mdunn |
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PeteStockdale
416 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 3:44:42 PM
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Hi Matt
I'll be there with you this year, and I've done it before, so I'm happy to help with any info.
The race has always started at 9:45 and I assume this year will be no different. You'll need/want to get into your starting pen no later than 9.30, though this is a balancing act between staying warm, having a wee, and not getting stuck behind a guy dressed as a Rhino. Assuming semi-decent weather and a reasonable bladder 9.20 is OK.
The start area is moderately conjested so you need to allow some time for leaving bags etc, but you don't need to be super early. That said, it is fun wandering around and looking at the costumes, listening to the radio and tannoy guys etc so factor in some 'atmosphere soaking up' time.
I'll probably aim for somewhere between 8:45 and 9am.
It is about 15 minutes walk from the 'transport drop-offs' to the start, so you'll want to arrive there about 8:30. Then you just need to judge how long it will take you to get to Greenwich, by whatever method you choose. Then factor in some time for emergencies and the fact that there are no prizes for being late.
The hotels in Greenwich will almost certainly be booked up by now - or be very expensive - so you're going to need to stay somewhere else in London. And as a half hour ride on the Tube means you can still leave about 7.15/7.30 (which isn't too early) then that isn't really a problem.
As you'll need to use the tube you may as well shop around and find the best deal, rather than one that is five minutes closer. 20 minutes or 25 minutes is neither here nor there at the end of the day.
My tip would be to get the DLR to Greenwich, rather than using the trains they provide from Waterloo/London Bridge etc. Details of these trains will be in the pack they send out, but the DLR runs as normal and takes you to virtually the same point as the trains. As everyone reads the bumph, and thus gets the trains, they become very crushed. The DLR, on the other hand, is usually quite quiet, particularly if you get on early (i.e. not at the Canary Wharf station where it crosses the Jubilee Line).
So, hotels in the East of London are a good place to be - and as they are away from 'The Sights' they are usually cheaper. We're driving down, and found a Travelodge with free parking on the Central Line in North East London, and that connects easily with the DLR.
Also, as the Expo is in the Docklands there is something to be said for staying in East London as your journey back to the hotel - potentially with lots of bags if you intend buying souvenirs/kit etc - is shorter.
The only snag is that you are further from the finish and the journey back to the hotel can be annoying. However, when your result can be affected by the preparation you need to do what's right for you before the race, and just deal with the post-race consequences.
Also consider family and friends. A hotel in the East means they have easy access to the route. However if they all want to celebrate with you at the finish then a two hour round trip back to the hotel for a shower can be annoying, when a hotel near the finish would have meant you could be in the pub in the centre of town with them an hour sooner. It just depends on who you're there with and what they want to do.
Finally, give some thought to the Saturday (if that's when you arrive) and the Sunday. If you are getting the train down on the Saturday morning will they let you check in early, or at least leave your bags? If not you'll be lugging them round the Expo and that is effort you probably shouldn't be exerting. And on the Sunday (if you aren't staying until the monday) will they allow a late check out, or failing that provide a shower that you can use, or failing that at least store your bags. If not then you'll be running 26 miles pulling a suitcase with you. 
I hope all that helps and hasn't just made things more confusing.
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"I just felt like running" - F. Gump |
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Dips
4076 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 3:48:09 PM
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Just an option - but I get a coach from Brighton (put on by my local running club) Leaves Brighton about 6.15am and drops you at the start, £10 for runners and £15 for spectators (return)..well it was last year.
I am guessing that as you are nearer to London than me you will use the train though.
Race starts at 9.45am unless you are Paula Radcliffe.
Dips x
"If you ever get a second chance in life for something, you've got to go all the way."
- Lance Armstrong
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PeteStockdale
416 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 4:05:06 PM
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I hadn't realised you live in Surrey, Matt, so as you're close enough to get there on the day, as the start is quite late, then that's a different story. Therefore, I apologise for the lengthy, possibly useless, waffle above.
That said, as you have to come into London and get your number the day before I would still be tempted to stay over the night before - there is peace of mind in knowing you are close to the start and there are back-up plans if your first plan goes wrong. You could be putting a lot of trust in our national rail service if you leave it until the Sunday morning....
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"I just felt like running" - F. Gump |
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ZoStockdale
28 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 4:19:16 PM
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You've got him started now, Matt. This topic combines his favourite two past times - running and planning for running!! 
In all seriousness, though, good thread to do. Can let you know about the FLM from a spectators point of view if you (or any of your supporters) are interested.
Ooh, I am really going to want to jump the barrier and join in this year!!
Zo
"My short runs used to be my long runs" - adidas ad! |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 4:57:37 PM
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cor some good advice there, thanks v much
I live in Guildford, so I can get a train into Waterloo.. I can't decide whether getting up early and making the trek to Waterloo and then across London is preferable to staying in London. I've found a Travel Lodge next to London City Airport, so that's v close to the Excel centre, and there's a DLR station right next to it.. £85 for the night though 
tbh staying in London is sounding like my preferred option. However, I'd be heading home to Guildford after the race so I'd need to take everything with me to the start in my race day bag thingy.
Hmm.. the first train from Guildford to Waterloo on Sunday morning gets to Waterloo at 8am. I think I'd best stay in London.
Zo - I can be a bit of a planning geek too.. I like to feel prepared!
Two marathons in two months in aid of Cancer Research - please sponsor me at http://justgiving.com/mdunn |
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Smout
525 Posts |
Posted - 13 Jan 2009 : 7:48:29 PM
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Oooo - why am I so excited reading this!! (We need a party smiley [<:o)] in here cos that's my favourite!!)
Good Luck to you all , happy planning (although I'm rubbish at that bit anyway)!!!
Hopefully I can get a GFA and do this one year too.......
"To believe with certainty we must begin with doubting." ~Stanislaus I of Poland |
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PeteStockdale
416 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2009 : 09:49:58 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by mdunn77
tbh staying in London is sounding like my preferred option. However, I'd be heading home to Guildford after the race so I'd need to take everything with me to the start in my race day bag thingy.
The official kit bags you get (and that you have to use) are fairly large and there's enough room for your 'on-the-day kit' (tracksuit, spare trainers etc) though you might struggle to fit in everything if you're staying overnight and need lots of stuff. You may have to travel quite light and wear your tracksuit, spare trainers etc on the Saturday. I'll try and remember to bring one on Sunday so that you can see it and judge.
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"I just felt like running" - F. Gump |
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PeteStockdale
416 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2009 : 09:58:54 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Smout
Hopefully I can get a GFA and do this one year too.......
Well, you've set yourself the challenge, so that's a third of the battle. The next third is believing you can do it - and hopefully you do as you've started the year well. The final third is doing it, and that's the fun part, so I'd put money on you being at the GFA start in 2010.
And then you can get excited and properly unleash the party icon 
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"I just felt like running" - F. Gump |
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mdunn77
1540 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2009 : 10:02:43 AM
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Cheers Pete, most helpful.
Two marathons in two months in aid of Cancer Research - please sponsor me at http://justgiving.com/mdunn |
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StephenPrice
2113 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jan 2009 : 10:18:51 AM
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Last year I stayed in a hotel just outside Paddington station (Quality Crown Padington). Very nice hotel for the price. Not bargain basement though but was able to get a good night's sleep, which was priority for me.
The tube is right there and was easy enough to get to the expo & start. Plus (as Pete has said) was easy to get to after the finish for a shower before going back to a pub in Covent Garden. |
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FLM 2009 runners.. info
