As a personal trainer in London, I’m keen on fitness and exercise, but the London Marathon is not something I ever plan to do. The sheer dedication and months of training would put a serious dent in my PT income, and my muscle-building goals.
And then there’s the pain. I just don’t think I would want to put myself through it, or risk the long term injuries which some marathon runners incur. I have huge admiration for the mental and physical strength of everyone who completes the course.
36,000 people took part in this year’s London Marathon on Sunday, the 34th London Marathon. The first London Marathon was in 1981, and the numbers participating have grown year on year. Yesterday’s race started in Blackheath, followed a circuit around the Thames, and finished in The Mall.
Wilson Kipsang of Kenya won the elite men’s race, with a time of 2:04:27. Last year in the Berlin Marathon he set a world record of 2:03:23. Fellow Kenyan Edna Kiplagat won the women’s elite race with a time of 2:20:19.
Mo Farah finished 8th with a very respectable time of 2:08:21. He’s keen to repeat the experience.
Tragically a 42 year old man died shortly after completing yesterday’s marathon.
Dominic Londesborough is a personal trainer in London.