I ran in the first LM and felt then that this street party was an event of great cultural importance. At the time, I recalled Brasher's description of the New York marathon: "To believe this story, you must believe that the human race can be one joyous family ...." It was apparent to me then that the LM was not merely a running event. Indeed, as a Londoner, I felt, for the first time, that I was a member of a real community , a family. On that auspicious day in March 1981, people actually talked to you on the tube - an unheard of event in my experience as a Londoner.
The event has grown out of all recognition since that first occasion and will do so whilst mankind continues to nurture hope for the future. What a contrast to the dismal progress of the Olympic tourch through the street of London!
Posted: 30/04/2008 at 12:07
