London marathon - Does anyone else get tearful watching the televised coverage?

[BalladOfBarryAndFreda]

I’m an ex runner, not marathon distances, who watches on TV every year. There’s something about the BBC coverage that gets me. It’s not just the charity clips, it’s the scenes of masses of people, all ages, all sizes, all colours, all together. Mostly smiling, all that training, all that effort. Some running, some walking, some jogging. It really gets me emotionally.

Me ! And I'm no runner!

My sister's running this year - so I've got no chance of dry eyes when she finishes

It's never occurred to me to watch it to be honest, I don't normally go in the front room and put the telly on till later, do they show the whole thing? I only realised it was happening yesterday when I saw something on FB. I don't know anyone that's ever done it I don't think. Maybe I'll try watching next year.

The music gets me every time! I ran it a few years ago and did the virtual last year, it’s definitely more emotional not being a part of it at all.

Yes because i so want to do it. Tried to get in for many years. Ive given up trying. Ive done a marathon 3 times and it was a tough one, London would be easier! But i prefer halfs now.

My friend is approaching mile 22. Im swinging between being in awe of her and wondering how someone gets to be that batshit crazy to actually want to do it

No All they’re doing is running. Great for the causes they support though.

Can't understand how people can't be moved listening to some of the runners' stories, especially those who are running in the memory of their child and supporting a cause close to their heart. Maybe, not tearful, but at least a glimmer of emotion.

Always cry watching it on tv and I finally ran it today! Cried several times because it was so emotional

I get a little bit teary too. I ran it in 2001. Was an amazing experience.

I get emotional as soon as I set eyes on it.
Normally give out jelly babies but went covid safe this year with bags of haribo which is my small contribution. They went down very well at mile 18.
I need to investigate the place where you see them twice for next year. Never known anyone running but the atmosphere is amazing.
Next year will be October and then it returns to April for 2023.

Gets me every time. I ran it in 2011, absolutely unforgettable experience. My first and only marathon, got in via the ballot at first attempt.

Never did run another and have since buggered both knees so don’t run at all anymore but I still love watching. Never fails to inspire.

theres plenty of small charities who get involved...plenty

i ran it in 2015 and 2018 and loved every second of both

the marathon is easy enough, its the training thats a killer,especially the last few weeks
they did email last week to say they were short of volunteers but i couldnt make it this time as i volunteer some events and am on their list.

congratulations @Runningforcakes....well done you!

Well, for the runners among you who fancy a challenge the ballot is open today... And 40,000 people did the virtual today I believe, a great option. I love all the supporters, I saw a man with his two young children banging tambourines and rattling tins to support the virtual marathoners today so sweet and kind.

Well done @Runningforcakes
I was tearful watching and supporting.
But it makes me a bit cross the stories of people running every year or someone else who was doing their 20,th London marathon today.
I've entered the ballot every Yr for last 8 yrs and not got a place... Why do some people seem to be able to run it every Yr?