Sunday April 22, 2012- Virgin London Marathon

‘ello ‘ello ‘ello RG.
Coming over ‘ere I was prepared not to be jealous of the runners. It was a good time talking to runners about coming to Toronto to run the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. I had some great enthusiastic help from two ladies, Danielle and Jade. (One of the exhibitors from the Skins booth across from us thought they were models).
We thought about putting a board up to record the response to my question “Are you ready for Sunday”
Most of the replies were “as ready as I’ll ever be” or “I had better be” We also got a few “Yes” and a few “I don’t know, I have been injured”
Even when I got into the early finish area as a photographer, I was still not thinking of running. (and unfortunately, for one reason or another, since last Sunday I have run only 3k)
I witnessed (and photographed) the men’s wheelchair winner David Weir of GB the favourite.(1:3226) Canada’s Josh Cassidy was 9th in a time of 1:53 (but remember he won Boston on Monday)
The GB favourite women Shelly Woods won the women’s wheelchair (1;49;10) while Diane Roy of Canada was third (1:53:05

I had access to a great wi-fi so was able to monitor the leaderboard to watch the showdown between the eventual winner Wilson Kipsang (2:04:44)and the sprint finish between Marti Lel (2:06:51) and Tsegay Kebede (2:06:52) but the frustrating issue for me, because this was my first time, was going away from the finish line to take pictures of the top 3 winners while the other runners were coming in.

The same thing occurred with the women’s race when Mary Keitany (also known as Queen Mary) finished 1 minute ahead of Edna Kilagat and soon followed by Pricah Jeptoo (2:20:14)
Mary set a course record in a time of 2;18;37

Then we scrambled to the presentation/awards ceremony (I have a small Olympus camera) and had to jossle with the big zoom lenses weilded by the pros. I was able to use my iPad held up over their shoulders to get some shots.
Prince Harry was present to present the awards, so that was a fairly cool bonus.
Being in the press area was exhilirating and exciting and I was so glad the iRun gave me the opportunity to be there.
Also have to thank Canada Running Series to allow me to be their ambassador for their premier event.
Fauja Singh’s picture was on the STWM brouchure and when he came to the booth is was electric.
and for the WOW factor.. he ran 7:49:21 which is a new WR for the 101 year old man.He is entered as the 70+ category. He is scheduled to return to Toronto in October to run the 5 km.. (but who knows if he will change his mind and run another marathon)
I stayed around for another hour to watch the other runners come across the finish line. Then I decided to walk back along the Thames (from Buckingham Palace- the finish line) to where I was staying near London Bridge- it takes about 1/2 hour to take this scenic walk (past the London Eye. This section is filled with buskers entertaining the tourists.
As I wound my way through the runners is when I developed Marathon finisher envy and wishe I was able to have run the course.

Oh well, I will have to wait to run on May 6, to complete my 4:30 hour pace bunny duties at the Goodlife Toronto. Marathon.

I fly home on Tueday morning, so give me a few days for the elite picture.