Flora London Marathon

The London Marathon has a special place in many Stragglers’ hearts and memories. Indeed the founder members of the club joined together because they were training for the 1982 London Marathon. We get some places automatically because of our membership of the AAA, and somehow or other there always seem to be 20 or more Stragglers running it. Ages and experience vary. Our oldest active Straggler, Mike Hutchings, ran it in 1998 just a couple of weeks after his 80th birthday. We have always organised a big support operation on the day and Straggler supporters can be found at various places along the route. From the earliest days we have had the Stragglers banner in Narrow Street which, until 2004, was just after the 20 mile mark. However, in 2005, the direction of the loop round the Isle of Dogs was changed and although we were still at our old spot, this was about 14½ miles.

Watching the Marathon?The Stragglers oftern have a strong showing of support on the sidelines of the marathon and this year is no different, there will be two main groups. First can be found on the bridge down Narrow Street. And Little Feet are to be found on the Embankment, just where the runners need a final boost for the last mile or so.
Those of us who have run it will tell you how nice it is to get a big shout of Straggler support.

We usually have post Marathon party in the evening, when we can congratulate the runners and hear their stories.

Got a place in this year's Marathon? Why not join our training group on a Sunday morning? They meet at 8:30, at the Kingston Gate of Richmond Park for the long run you need as part of your preparation.

Full results and details of the race can be found on the London Marathon's own web site.

Results for Straggler runners can be found on our Results pages