Not to spectate while Husband runs the London Marathon

I have several childhood memories of the London marathon.

The biggest one, which O wasn't even there for, was the Year they lost my Brother, who was about 7.

The only reason we ever saw my dad is we stood in exactly the same place every year.

have run 10 Londons.

Unless your runner knows exactly where you'll be (and on which side of the road) they won't see you. Have managed to run past supporters waving a flag before - it's easily done.

for anyone who wants to support I recommend Limehouse DLR - you can get to 15 and 20 mile points easily and there are newsagents to buy supplies. Easy DLR and tube to the end.

OP if you are staying near the start then you can walk most of the way with him. I never had that and as a runner would like it.

St James's Park will be rammed at the end - v difficult to get to. Horse guards is a bit easier - or better still one of the pubs at the top of Whitehall. Whitehall is closed so if he needs a sit down there's plenty of kerbs.

It is an emotional event and personally I've loved supporting over the years - but it's fine if you don't fancy it - have your celebration at the end!

You won't be able to get near him at the start op - the whole of Greenwich Park is closed to non-runners who have to be there quite some time before the start. Then when they do go it'll be like trying to spot a needle in a Haystack if you get on the course near the start - literally tens of thousands of crazies starting their watches and trying not to run into other crazies until the field things a bit.

Better to stay in bed and have a good breakfast before schlepping all the luggage over to the new hotel.

I would have been disappointed if my dp hadn't been on the route to cheer me on - we agreed a spot and I he tracked me on the app so knew when I was about to pass. But I left him in the hotel first thing, nothing he could do for me anywhere near the start!

My sister and brother in law ran it (different years) and watching it both times was special. We made signs and cheered everyone on. Especially near the end where some look like they'll not finish. It boosts them!

I've run marathons and been supported by DH and vice versa. London is SOOO busy, no way would I try to support along the way. So much effort for 30 seconds cheering!

Beginning and end is great. If you can find him at the finish with his favourite drink you will be grand.

I think you're plan sounds fair. You'll see him at the start, and at the end. There's not much to do in between, so why not go off and enjoy yourself.

I ran a race once (not as far as a marathon) and honestly I didn't even look at the spectators. My parents came to watch and they were near the finish line taking photos. I didn't see them. I really wouldn't have known or minded if they'd been off getting a coffee while I did the long, not very interesting bit between the start and finish line. I was just in my own head, running, not paying attention to much else. In fact at the finish line I was so close to throwing up I'd have been glad of no one I knew seeing me 😆

They choose to do this you know - no one makes them.

Running marathons is a selfish sporting activity anyway due to the time it takes. I'm sure he puts running first quite often, nothing wrong with you putting yourself first.

Dropped my husband off once at a marathon and came to pick him up at the end. It was a wet and miserable marathon like you’d expect in Scotland and he finished a little earlier than I thought. Boy was he miffed. 7 years later a friend who runs was flabbergasted when I was telling her the story. She couldn’t believe I didn’t stay to cheer him at the end. I’m now into fitness not so much running but frankly at that time I thought people who ran marathons were mad. That being said I hear London is special, I’d probably hang about at the end to cheer him especially if you know how long he plans to take. I love cheering him on now at his 5,10k and half marathons mostly cos I get the kids so excited to do it.

How quick is he? It matters for the crowds, if he's easily sub 3hr you should be able to see him somewhere without too much hassle if you want to, but forget The Finish Line, absolutely no chance of seeing that as a casual observer!

Last year I saw DH on the Isle of Dogs then headed to Westminster and was v lucky to get a good spot just before he came through, then headed to the end to meet him. But another half hour onwards it would be too busy to manage that.

This year, I'm probably not even going to go down 🤷‍♀️😆

Basically, do whatever works for you both op. There is a big difference between first marathons and yet another race as a seasoned runner+spouse combo! Do both things if you want to, but enjoy your pastry and weekend either way!

The finish line is usually super hectic, it isn't an easy spot for meeting up or watching a particular person.

Something I found useful for supporting at super busy races is having a nickname for the runner. Lots of people will shout encouragement for runners by name if they have it on their shirt or will cheer for the charity etc. But a nickname can help if the runner wants to see you / know you're there.

I am running Manchester marathon on Sunday .

My sister is the only one coming up to support me. I have no idea where she will be on the route ( we will briefly look at the map on Saturday night)
She will wave me off and be at the end point. I am running for charity and will be wearing a shirt - there are charity supoport points so I will be cheered there.

In my experience of busy races, everyone cheers everyone on.

Do what suits you both.

Enjoy it !

For God's sake even if she does watch the whole thing he'll only pass her once and probably won't see her because he'll be running ffs.

I'm glad not everyone has your attitude or it would be a long lonely marathon for all the runners with no atmosphere and support

It's a while since I've done the marathon. The medals used to go for about £50-80 but you tended to make more money if you got the listing up straight away while buyers were still keen, and if you threw in the t-shirt too. I mean, it doesn't cover all the costs of actually doing the marathon, but it comes in handy.

London on marathon day is like nothing else, it is so so emotional. The crowd is why- several times it’s been the cheer of a total random that has kept me going and it’s also an absolute spectacle- all the charity runners and fancy dress. Total magic. Knowing your family are waiting at mile 19 or whatever is such a special thing.

But you’re on your own which makes it harder and much less fun as a spectator. I also think marathon day means you will struggle to find a nice quiet spot for a coffee and pastry- it takes over the entire city!

So I think you need to be flexible. As PP says, there is no way you will get near the start with him- so many closed roads etc and only runners allowed through. He will also need to be at the start hours before he actually starts.

So I would say wave him off in the morning from your hotel and enjoy a lie in and your nice coffee and pastry without leaving the hotel. Once you’re ready to go with the luggage, head off to that hotel and find a spot to spectate fairly near the finish. The non river side of the Embankment can be less rammed and it’s a lovely point to see people- near the finish but absolutely in the pain cave. A lovely place for a hug if you’re in need of one at that point! Give him a good cheer and walk to the finish to meet him whereever you agree!

When I ran my first marathon, seeing the people who'd takne the time to support me in the crowd was a huge boost. It is hard for supporters to spot their runners, but if the runners know where you'll be it's not so difficult for them to see you.

Plus the event as a whole really is wort seeing, not just because you know someone running.

It’s such a boost seeing people you know but if he’s a seasoned runner he might not need the boost that I did!

Do what you want and dont feel guilty about it. Especially as your DH is fine with the plans too.

It's a no brainer that you both enjoy the day doing what you both prefer to do.

It might be special and emotional for some people but it isnt for everyone. Thats ok. I would rather go explore and have the pastry and coffee too.

I stayed home when DH ran the Brighton. At least you're there.

Doesn’t sound like either of you are fussed op

so I wouldn’t give it another thought

doesn’t look like he will

For how much?