Sub 3Hr Marathon

297 watchers

UsedToRunaBit Apr 2016 1:49pm, 28 Apr 2016 183 posts	0 UsedToRunaBit Sorry, should have read that properly!
Little Miss Happy Apr 2016 4:34pm, 28 Apr 2016 17 posts	0 Little Miss Happy I paced off the mile markers and pace band anyway, Garmin was just there as a comfort blanket and to stop me running too quickly in the first few miles. I too had an idiot who kept almost barging me out of the way, pushing me to one side, running in front of me then slowing - finally figured out it was because he was trying to run on the blue line! Amazing how many inconsiderate runners there were at the semi-pointy end, discarded bottles in the middle of the road, weaving, stopping suddenly etc.
postieboy Apr 2016 5:02pm, 28 Apr 2016 3,347 posts	0 postieboy I was disappointed with the amount of inconsiderate runners at our end of the field as well. Collectively we should be showing good etiquette for those around and behind us.
Chris Apr 2016 6:55pm, 28 Apr 2016 522 posts	0 Chris Why did I only learn about the blue line after the race!
Psimon Apr 2016 7:07pm, 28 Apr 2016 2,078 posts	0 Psimon Garmin, Tom Tom, etc. Are all going to read incorrect in City Marathons with large buildings and tunnels obstructing satellites, one reason you should worry about a trace that has undereported the distance (Manchester for example). If I am seriously chasing a time, or providing pacing duties then I do not rely on GPS and manually lap at each marker (at London it is not the Balloon arches, you need to look for a red line on the road, can be up to 15m either side of the balloons). Good to see the statement about Manchester, but please be aware that GFA times are subject to change. They could change anytime between now and June based on previous experience, you will not know definitive times until the open up the application process. With the numbers completing with GFA times in 2015, and the crowding this year I would be surprised if they were not changed.
LouLou Apr 2016 7:15pm, 28 Apr 2016 7,185 posts	0 LouLou I thought it was very crowded this year and don't remember it being that congested in the 3-3.15 time bracket in my other 6 outings!
Bazoaxe Apr 2016 7:19pm, 28 Apr 2016 10,027 posts	0 Bazoaxe I agree, this was the most crowded I remember VLM and I had my heels clipped countless times throughout and saw loads of other incidents, including someone being tripped as we entered the Blackfriars tunnel. Interestingly while my heels were clipped at least a dozen times, I only once clipped someone else and that was my fault as I momentarily let my mind wander and I did apologise. Most of the culprits didnt
Little Miss Happy Apr 2016 7:40pm, 28 Apr 2016 18 posts	0 Little Miss Happy Lou - I chose not to take my champs start this year as it would have meant joining a club and not running in my charity vest, do you think there would be any benefit in t using it next year?
Psimon Apr 2016 8:42pm, 28 Apr 2016 2,079 posts	0 Psimon Little Miss Happy, having been on both the Champs and the GFA start in recent years I do not believe that there is a massive difference. The differences I can think of are:- 1. Little less crowded, only marginally though. 2. The staging area, tents and toilets are much less crowded 3. Warm up area prior to start, however this year they had changed the layout somewhat so less room to warm up. 4. You get two timing chips. Although I have never had a timing chip fail. With reference to charity vest then I am not sure how strict they are. Very strict with logos on tops, but there are guys that start from the Champs in fancy dress. I am not sure that there are many running clubs that have fancy dress as their standard attire.
Nelly Apr 2016 9:22pm, 28 Apr 2016 3,232 posts	0 Nelly On Tuesday the GFA page said ""Qualifying times for the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon are subject to change"". The page was updated today to remove that caveat and give details of the arrangements for Manchester 2015 times. Hence, whilst there is still the possibility that GFA times could change between now and June, I think it is very unlikely as why would they remove the caveat if the times weren't agreed?