Get Ready for The 2011 London Marathon

Get Ready for The 2011 London Marathon

Get Ready for The 2011 London Marathon

The main news emanating from London today is the availability of tickets for the London 2012 Olympic Games, however, there is another major sporting event taking place in just over a month's time in the capital which also deserves our attention; the London Marathon.

The annual race has been a staple part of the British calendar for the past 30 years, with humble beginnings in 1981 seeing some 6,255 runners completing the course. Nowadays, those passing the finishing line is upwards of 30,000.

Apparently conceived in a pub, the idea of a London marathon was first discussed by co-founders of the race John Disley and the late Chris Brasher in the late 1970's. The state of British marathon running was in a dreary state, especially in comparison with the city marathons of the USA and Europe.

It was their participation in the New York marathon in 1979 that really sparked their enthusiasm and drove the two men to push ahead with their ambition to stage the now world famous London marathon.

This year will be the 30th anniversary of the race, and the 31st London marathon to take place. Of course, things have changed over the years, most notable the route taken by participants.

Originally the finishing line was situated between Buckingham Palace and Green Park at Constitution Hill. From 1982 to 1993 however, runners finished the race on Westminster Bridge. The line was moved once again when repair work to the bridge was required, this time time the Mall provided the glorious end to the marathon, where it has stayed since.

This year's marathon is due to take place on the 17th April. Though the ballot for entry is now closed, there is still plenty of time for spectators to get ready for the big day. From accommodation to transport, planning is necessary if you want to get the best out of the event.

When it comes to booking your accommodation, try to secure a room in a hotel close to the action; you don't want to have to travel very far on the day, as many roads will be closed and the underground will be extremely busy. So, if you can book a hotel near Westminster, the Mall, or a Tower of London hotel with excellent views of the course, that would be ideal.

Furthermore, be sure to check the race timings, and schedule your day in accordance with the runners you want to see, or the area you want to see them pass.

However you decide to watch the marathon, be sure to take care and come prepared; you may not be running the race, but it can be a tiresome day for even the fittest of spectators.

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