Tips for Watching the London Marathon 2011
Heading along to the London Marathon 2011 to cheer along a friend or family member? Join the queue – as millions of spectators and well-wishers are expected to line the route, hoping to catch a glance of their loved ones – and a celebrity and colourful costume or two – bravely combating the famous 26.2 mile route.
Whilst the task of spectating is nothing compared to actually donning your running shoes, finding the best vantage race to take in this major sporting spectacle can prove tricky – particularly if you will be using the Underground to shuttle to different mile marks to offer continued support at different stages during the race. The guide below takes a look at five of the best spectator spots for watching the 2011 London Marathon…
2011 London Marathon: Where to Watch
Cutty Sark
Many family members and friends egging on runners make the mistake of heading to Greenwich Park to offer moral support on the start line, but it can be a good idea to leave them some breathing space to focus on the task ahead – and the buzz and hoopla that surrounds the race should be enough to set them on their way.
After all, the first few miles will be a breeze compared to the rest of the race. Head to the Cutty Sark at 7 miles when runners will be feeling the first real signs of strain.
Tower Bridge
It’s one of London’s most popular tourist attractions – and it’s also a fantastic location to offer runners a much-needed morale boost, as they will pass this spot at 12 miles and 22 miles. Perfect for the lazy spectator keen to avoid transport hopping across central London.
Canary Wharf
Compared to some of the most popular vantage points during the race, Canary Wharf on a Sunday is actually surprisingly calm, and a suitable destination for anybody who wants to flag their presence with a struggling runner needing a pick-me-up for those last few miles. The Wharf marks the start of the final leg of the race, and for many competitors it’ll be memorable for all the wrong reasons as the place they start to ‘hit the wall’.
Embankment
The end is agonisingly, agonisingly close now for runners, and every bone in their body will be aching with the finishing line in sight. Things can start to seem a little desperate at the 23 mile mark – where that old adage ‘so near yet so far’ will start to play on many a mind. If there’s any area where a final push from the crowds is needed, it’s Embankment.
The Mall
The previous miles will all seem worthwhile as runners catch a glimpse of Buckingham Palace and Horse Guard’s Parade. Runners of all shapes and sizes will temporarily forget the pain and break out into a broad grin as the heavy crowds based around the final stretch cheer them on over the 26.2 mile mark. Families and friends should leave enough time to congregate here to take in an amazing moment as a loved one completes their epic challenge.
The 2011 London Marathon takes place on Sunday 17th April.