FITNESS. FASHION. FOOD.
This year's London Marathon is the hottest on record
Gruelling training during the winter months could not have prepared this year’s London Marathon runners for the arduous task they were about to face. At a peak of 24 degrees, this year’s Marathon is officially the hottest in marathon history
The annual long distant running event saw more than 40, 000 runners line up to take on the famous 26.2 mile course around the London landmarks.
“But you have to push through it and get to the end, so that made it all more enjoyable,” said Clare, who finished the race in 4 hours 55mins.
Spectators descended into central London in the thousands to watch the remarkable display of endurance and dedication. More than just watching the race, they were a great source of encouragement for the runners.
Before the 10am start, organisers of the event advised runners to drop their goal-times because of the heat, and also warned that heat absorbed by the roads and other competitors may make the course hotter.
Each runner has different reasons for running the marathon; whether it is for personal goals, or for charity. Whatever the reason, dedication is the main ingredient to reach their goals.
Alex Neve, 32, customer service advisor, ran the marathon for the first time in six hours, for Children with Cancer UK. Following a five-month training programme during the winter months, the unpredicted heat threw a curveball for Neve.
“I was dreading it because it was so hot! So obviously everybody had trained through ice, snow and rain, winter temperatures, and then there was this heat wave.
“As we were getting into our pens, the atmosphere was incredible, everyone was excited, but also everyone was a little bit nervous because it was so hot and we hadn’t run in these sorts of temperatures,” said Neve.
For second time marathon runner Kate Clare, 30, architect, training in the winter months was “a good test of stamina”, but the heat also proved to be an additional challenge.
“Running in the heat was awful… I cried mid-run because I could feel myself getting slower and slower, i'm really competitive!"
Alex Neve with her London Marathon Finisher Medal, 2018
“The crowds are amazing all the way through, especially in the more suburban areas,” said Neve.
“People were coming out of their homes to give us orange slices and ice cubes to help you cool down, two fire engines had their hoses out spraying us as we were running through to keep us cool.
“It was a really nice atmosphere that powered you through, so if it’s wasn’t for the crowds it would have taken me a lot longer.”
To listen to Alex's full interview, click the player below
For more information on how to apply for the London Marathon 2019