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Original poster

Anyone been to watch the London Marathon? Best spot to watch from?

16 replies

juliab · 18/04/2006 15:07

Need some tips for good place to stand with three kids and ageing MIL in hope of catch a fleeting glance of DH as he runs past on Sunday. Can anyone help?

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Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 18/04/2006 15:12

I watched dh from Tower Bridge - then we went to the pub and got on the tube to the finish. It was a good spot as they run under the bridge too at some point but it depends how long you're looking to hang about for. If you've got little 'uns you might be better closer to one of the parks.

Have you arranged a meeting place at the end julia? I was supposed to meet dh under the tree with 'P' on but it was packed and we couldn't find each other. Bit of a nightmare!

Good luck to him.

Original poster

juliab · 18/04/2006 15:16

Was wondering about Tower Bridge - because of the double-spot potential - but I don't know how long MIL can stand without having to sit down. Hmmm
And thanks for the meeting place tip: didn't occur to me that it might be packed (duh!)
Did your dh enjoy it, Saggar? Is he a good runner anyway?

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DumbledoresGirl · 18/04/2006 15:18

Go into the dockland area or the roads leding up to Tower Bridge. I used to watch my dad running and my brother has done it once too. You need to go to the quiet areas otherwise it is hard to get near enough to really look for familiar faces. Even when you spot your runner, they are gone in an instant.

georginarf · 18/04/2006 15:24

and watch out for the sea sickness - you watch all the faces for ages looking for ones you know without looking at the floor and when you look away - bam! - you topple over (or is that just me....)

I've always watched the start on Blackheath and then walked through Greenwich Park and stationed myself somewhere on the road between Greenwich and Deptford - as it's not very fancy there, so less busy! but that's prob because I was always based in Blackheath so very convenient

Original poster

juliab · 18/04/2006 15:28

Thanks Dumbledores Girl - good idea. Know what you mean about them being gone in an instant - have trailed about the country with the kids, standing in muddy country lanes waiting for dh to run past and nearly always miss him! The kids are distinctly underwhelmed about going to see the marathon on Sunday - dh very peeved!
GeorginaArf: afraid we're norff Londoners - might get seasick just doing as far sarf as Blackheath

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soapbox · 18/04/2006 15:34

A good spot is on the road that runs round the isle of dogs right next to Island Gardens DLR station. Very few people watching there so you can get right up and close to the runners.

Timing is quite good too as you have plenty time to then catch DLR to Tower Hill then tube to the finishing point to see the end!

CrotchetyCow · 18/04/2006 15:39

We always used to stand on the Strand (?) by Buckingham Palace. There is a big park there and whenever my brother and I got bored my mum sent us off to the swings/ducks. You can also hire deckchairs there, which was great for us. Its also just a quick walk from the finish. My dad has done the London Marathon 13 times and is running his 14th this year and thats the spot we always used to watch from. Its also when the runners are starting to flag and slow down, my brother and I used to join the rest of the crowd in encouraging those who were at the end of their strength, there was a real sense of camaraderie there and if I wasnt in Switzerland thats where I would be this year too.

juliab · 18/04/2006 15:44

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MrsWobble · 18/04/2006 15:49

we've done the start in Blackheath followed by a walk through the park to Cutty Sark and then the DLR to Mudchute where you get 2 spots - one on the way into the Isle of Dogs and one on the way out. Then Jubilee line to Westminster for the finish. This gives you 5 viewing points and we found that the timings worked when we took our children (youngest was in a buggy) to watch their nanny (she took about 5 hours)

Original poster

juliab · 18/04/2006 15:52

oooh - more options! thanks Mrs W - hadn't thought of the Cutty Sark... Do you think we could do all that in 3 and a half hours, though? - dh is annoyingly speedy

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sharklet · 18/04/2006 16:23

We used to live on the route and so watched it every year. People would come with deckchairs and stuff and it was lovely. Often its good t pitch your camp next to a water station and near one of the marker banners, then you can let him know where you are so he can keep an eye out.

Our local pub used to have a big BBQ on the roadside everyyear to raise money for charity so you might find stuff like that.

We used to live just down from Rotherhithe Tube and Canada Water on Salter Road.

Original poster

juliab · 18/04/2006 16:37

thanks sharklet - will have to get my map out.

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Saggarmakersbottomknocker · 18/04/2006 17:40

dh did it in about 3 1/2 julia. I enjoyed it - I was on my own but got chatting to loads of people on the Bridge and when it rained we all went to the pub. That's why I missed dh at the finish - he's never forgiven me!

CrotchetyCow - 14 times! Well done him.

There's some Mn'ers doing it you know.

CrotchetyCow · 18/04/2006 18:34

I didnt inherit my fathers athleticness thank goodness
.

My dad's aim is to be like his training partner who did every marathon and retired last year-- at 85--because he could no longer walk.

hulababy · 18/04/2006 20:49

Not been for years. My dad used to run in it. he did it four times. No more now though. Was too young when I went so can't really remember. But have fun and good luck to your DH.

Original poster

juliab · 19/04/2006 10:32

Thanks everyone!
Think we may go for the Birdcage Walk/Embankment option so the kids can let off steam in St James Park. And we'll try to do the Docklands thing first if MIL is up for it.
Told DH about CrochetyCow's dad - he went rather pale!
Have to say I'm not sure I could do another year of being a marathon widow, either!
Let's hope Sunday's a great day.

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