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First London Marathon, 29 March 1981

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Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 29 Mar 2011 00:14

Dear All

Hello

Hope you are okay.

30 years ago today, 6,7000 people jjogged through the streets of the capital to compete in the first ever London marathon.

The 26 mile course started at Greenwich Park and finished
by Buckingham Palace.

The sportsmanship of the event was evident as American Dick Beardsley, 24, and Norwegian Inge Simonsen, 25, won the race crossing through the tape hand in hand after two hours, 11 minutes and 48 seconds.

Joyce Smith, a Briton was the first female to cross the finishing line, in 2:29:56.

About seven hours after the start Marie Dominque de Groot, 30, from Paris and David Gaiman, 47, from East Grinstead ran past the finish line holding hands as the final contestants across the line.


At regular intervals 1,000 volunteer helpers marked the route, joined by 500 special constables, 26 first-aid stations and 300 St John Ambulance personnel while cardiac unit was on hand at Constitution Hill.

The marathon was the brainchild of Chris Brasher, former Olympic Steeplechaser and was organised with a budget of £100,000 from which 2,000 foil blankets, 75 portable lavatories, 400 gallons of coffee and 50,000 plastic cups were supplied.

Mr Brasher passed away in 2003.



Now, the London Marathon is an annual event with around 30,000 people participating.

The event has become synonymous with great athletic camaraderie but many also wear fancy dress costumes and one couple married during one event.

It has evolved into a fun day for those taking on the challenge but is also a major charity fundraising event through sponsorship of participants.

Take gentle care
Very best wishes
xx

Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 29 Mar 2011 19:41

Dear All

Hello

Is anyone planning to take part in this year's event?
Or be in the crowd along the 26 mile route?

Take gentle care
Very best wishes
xx

Hilary

Hilary Report 29 Mar 2011 19:48

Hi, yes I am going this year. My friends son in law is running with the local athletic club. I went with them 2 years ago & really enjoyed the atmosphere. Met up in a pub afterwards & got talking to 2 Chelsea Pensioners. That was as amazing as the Marathon.
Looking forward to it this year.
Hilary x

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond

Purple **^*Sparkly*^** Diamond Report 30 Mar 2011 04:23

I am always impressed by the ordinary folk running for charity who dress up and push themselves to get to the end and raise their donated money.
I bet the atmosphere is wonderful and hope the weather stays right for this year's event on 17th May.

Lizx