Not to spectate while Husband runs the London Marathon

Previously ran a marathon, and it’s such a boost seeing loved ones cheering you on, and waiting for you at the end with all the snacks. By all means move the hotels, because he’s not going to want to do that, but I’d definitely cheer him on along the way. London is a special one.
There’s not much you can do at the start from memory, I think it was all penned in and runners only.
All that said, what does DH want from you?

I think it is a good plan, and most importantly, you have both agreed to it. No loud waving and making yourself look silly.

Good luck to your DH, and if it is acceptable on MN to declare it and he is running for charity, let us know which one.

How much luggage is needed for an extended jog, just an extra pair of pundies presumably?

My DH and I have both done long distance sporting events (trail races, marathons, halfs and IM between us) - we both like to make a weekend of stuff, but we only spectate for the less busy events where we know we'll be able to spot each other and get to and from the spectating spots quickly. Hanging around for hours on your own isn't much fun.

It's nice if he pops up on course at some point, but only if I know he's having a good time. I'd only feel guilty and worried about him not enjoying himself otherwise!

I’ve watched friends and relatives in the past. I enjoyed the first one (but then I hadn’t watched many others). After that I did it because the runner wanted me to. Needed research to find where I’d be likely to be able to see, then getting there early (which you may not be able to do if you’re moving the luggage) and staking my spot (then hopping around on one foot as I desperately wanted the loo but didn’t dare give up my space!). On most occasions I got a few poorly framed photos, which the runners tended to like. On one occasion I missed them entirely, not sure how or why. It was always a bit of a pain. One I was happy to endure for them but not one I would do for myself.

If your DH doesn’t care, and you have no particular desire to watch, coffee and pastry sounds far preferable to me. Your friend is projecting.

I think the plan sounds fine, unless he'd like you somewhere en route. Miles 22-26 tend to be the hardest and support can lift you through. It's a gamble though because you might not see him at that point, it can get pretty busy. And as such there'll be plenty of support there anyway.

I’m a running widow and mostly don’t see the point of it all.

But I did watch my DH run the London marathon because it’s a bit special. You can track them on the app and be in the right place at the right time so I saw him (and he saw me) a couple of times during the race and met him at the end. It’s a great atmosphere and still time for a coffee.

Imagine you go to a half way point and he doesn’t even notice you or you can’t see him because he’s in a big crowd. I think start and end is fine with a few hours in between.

Stick with the coffee and a bun.

Your plan sounds fine to me.

What's the point in watching him run? You might not even see him if he's in a group or on the other side of the road.

Enjoy yourself - you're already supporting him by going to London with him and shuffling the luggage from one hotel to another.

Maybe think about what you’re saying here.

OP I'm with you. I happened to be in Paris for their marathon last weekend. Spent 2,5 hours near a boulevard they were running on, was amazed at the stream of runners not stopping all that time, but also a bit taken aback at how miserable most of them looked.

There were plenty of people admiring them and I imagine at some level the runners appreciated it. But whether or not one more person stands there to wave and yell as people run past looking glassy-eyed makes no difference. Do what you like with your day in London.

I think if the genders were reversed you’d be getting a hard time. And the atmosphere is incredible - you’ll be missing out.

I have run it. My family have spectated, but we completely missed each other. Don't worry about watching him. Watch a bit, but don't stand around for hours.
Watching the elites go through is pretty incredible and a lot of the charity others are fabulous .

So I would watch a bit, but don't worry about standing there for hours. So go and enjoy your day

Definitely being unreasonable. I've run the London marathon, and seeing my loved ones at the 20 mile mark really got me through it. Your husband has worked so hard for this. Just be there for him.

Same. Would 100% avoid areas with marathons if at all possible!

I go to countless sporting events for my children and husband. Heck, just returned home for an international sporting event for one of them. But there's zero chance I would be standing along the route of a marathon for a few hours waiting for a glimpse of him for 15 seconds. Timing it to meet him at the end of the race? Sure, why not. But I would definitely be doing something form me int he middle. I provide enough support for everyone's events in this family.

Well you were lucky to spot him!

We did see our DD relatively near the start and then at the end,

We managed a peek in the City but that was luck - she didn't see us

Aw London's pretty special and you're missing out if you take the pastry option op. Spectating marathons is more gruelling than running them and obviously you should have been following a 16-week spectator's training plan but there's still time to get your t shirt printed and make your witty sign! There's loads of info for spectators on where's good and how to get around. Do it! (And hope he doesn't take up triathlon.)

Totally and entirely between the runner and the OP. No one else is entitled to an opinion. I'd say waving him off and then getting his luggage to the hotel so all he has to do is finish the marathon then go and flake out IS support!

YANBU OP. I run London every year, have done for ages. I hate having spectators 'of my own' if I have to tell them where to go, when I'll be coming through, and look out for them and not miss them. Absolutely love seeing people by chance along the way, and clubmates and acquaintances from my running community (who I don't have to organise in any way!).
I'd advise you to plan the day you want, whatever that looks like. Avoid the start and close to the finish if you can. Avoid v busy places like Greenwich/Cutty sark, Canary Wharf, Tower bridge, Houses of parliament. If you like watching the elites, the fast end, the mad folk in costumes etc then do that, it can be quite special. If you dont, then dont!
If he knows when he'll get over the start line (easier if he is on Champs or GFA than in with the masses) and the pace he'll be going then its possible to pick your spot and know the 10min window in which you'll spot him pretty accurately, but if you are going to do that you have to pay a lot of attention to spot him. If neither of you are that bothered I'd say its not worth the faff.
And get a few streets away from the finish area asap! (In St James park is OK, can be really nice if the weather is good)

It's his marathon, not yours. You standing around on pavement jostling with crowds, getting sore feet, etc., is not going to make a bit of difference to his experience.

Go have your pastry and a nice wander away from the crowds, guilt-free. I can't image a bigger waste of time than standing in one spot waiting for a few seconds of a runner flashing by.

Btw why not just stay in the hotel near the finish line for both nights and take a cab to the starting point?

I'm with you OP. I think it sounds very boring especially on your own.

I would do what you are planning OP. At least you are going!

I have lived in London for 30y and avoid central London during marathon weekend. It’s not for me.

He may be stoic now but 20 miles in just seeing someone you know and them cheering you on makes such a huge difference. London is also very hard almost impossible to get a place at so it could be a once in a lifetime thing.
If someone I loved was running it I’d be there, even if just at the final few miles and finish line.
OP please be there at the finish line, it really is a special event in running terms and even if he doesn’t say it now i’m sure your DH will appreciate it.

Watch him finish - if you watch when he’s running he’ll be gone past you in a minute ( I have experience of two marathons btw 🤣) Enjoy London on your own for a bit.