London Marathon - Anyone watching?

[GroovyGangConscript]

First races (elite wheelchairs) about to start. Anyone else slobbing on the sofa watching folk exert themselves today?

Marcel Hug is in a class of his own.

It was great telly, but I suspect that was staged. You get your official time by text within seconds of crossing the finish line

Interesting to read about the multiple things that were done to optimise conditions in the 1:59 challenge. Really key that the psychological barrier was broken by that run:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ineos_1:59_Challenge

Yes, it's like Roger Bannister and the 4 minute mile. Or Mark Williams finishing the Barkley.

Once it's done once, it becomes possible, and will be done again.

The weather conditions were perfect despite the rain and a breeze in places.

Totally in awe of anyone who can run so fast as the elites.

4hrs 35 for me today.

Honestly if anyone thinks they might have a marathon in them sign up for the ballot.

The most spectacular support for 26.2 miles (or a bit more if you don't quite stick to the blue line on the road which is the exactly measured route)

Well done @Boomboomboomboom ! Sounds like you had a great race.

I was tracking friends, having run it last year. It's the most incredible race.

To the person who asked about helium balloons- as well as all the reasons given already, they'd add considerable resistance and make running it even harder than it already is. It would be like pulling a weight around with you.

I hope your friends had fun and got the times they wanted, @ReviewingTheSituation. Do you plan ever to run it again yourself? I know it's not always easy to get a place.

They did! And I absolutely would. I'd love to do it again.