Thousands will head to London this weekend for the annual London Marathon. 35,000 competitors are expected to run the 26 mile course which begins at Greenwich and finishes at Buckingham Palace.
For those staying in a Clarendon serviced apartment this weekend we offer a guide to one of the most famous events in the capital. We also explain why, for competitors, next year a serviced apartment might be the ideal base to prepare for the race.
The London Marathon is a sporting institution. Using the streets of the city as a route it welcomes all abilities. Those leading the race will be seasoned professional athletes like Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah. While a little further back there will be those in fancy dress looking to use the marathon to raise money for a charitable cause. For many competitors, completing the London Marathon is a bucket list ambition and it raises hundreds of thousands – if not millions – for charity each year.
Running the marathon in one of the finest capital’s of the world, the London Marathon’s route takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks. From the London Eye, Buckingham Palace and even the River Thames itself the race begins south of the river and crosses at Tower Bridge. Weaving through the docklands, Canary Wharf and The City first it then takes in the north side of the river through the edges of Soho and Covent Garden before heading past Leicester Square and along the Mall in the final stretch. Crowds line the route. For those staying at one of Clarendon’s serviced apartments in The City, Soho, Holborn and Covent Garden their central location means the runners will be right on the doorstep.
In its almost 35 year history, the London Marathon has become big business. Even though it’s a charity itself, competitors are put through their paces each year by a host of fitness experts and running trainers offering tips and guidance for those taking part. For example “exercise scientists” advise running a dress rehearsal a week before the race to prepare both body and mind for the endeavour. It’s seen as a key part of training. Runners are advised to do a practise run of 20 miles allowing them to practice staying hydrated, to understand what to eat and when, how to drink while running and how to stretch. Runners will have been training for several months for the marathon but this slightly shorter prep rehearsal is seen as the final step before the big race.
For those who are planning to run the marathon in 2016 this dress rehearsal race is best done along part of the route itself for familiarisation. A Clarendon serviced apartment provides an ideal base to stay for those runners who need a central location along the route helping them to prepare for the marathon itself. There’s plenty of space to get ready and make your own breakfast as well as crashing and relaxing once the race has finished.
A central location is ideal place to stay during the marathon, both for those taking part who are travelling to the capital as well as those who are in London to enjoy the spectacle. A front row seat to cheer on the runners means being part of one of the most famous events in the capital each year while those competing can have somewhere nearby to help them train.
Find the right location for you at www.clarendonlondon.com