Virgin London MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (1962 votes). 2012 race reviewed by: bladerunner1980
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: I cramped at mile 14 so personally this was a disaster but as a race its fantastic. The 3rd best I've experienced (GNR=best, Berlin=2nd)
Date of review: April 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: sal f
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Fantastic atmosphere, brilliant crowd support.
In full: Very well organised, and carnival like atmosphere for the whole 26.2 miles. My only gripe is with favourable good for age and championship times for women compared to the mens times, aimed at attracting more women to the event why does the goody bag contain so much mens stuff - mens shower gel, mens deoderant, mens moisturiser, razor, not to mention no size option on the t-shirts?
Date of review: April 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Kieren Fitzgerald
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: It's the big one, but don't expect to get a PB
In full: The London Marathon is an amazing event, I've now done it twice and it's an incredible experience. However it is so congested in places that it is difficult to run at a consistent pace. My advice for what it's worth is if you're after a PB don't do London, but if you're afetr amazing day out that you'll never forget do London, the crowd support is so amazing it will actually move you close to tears, incredible day.
Date of review: April 26, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: jogfatboyjog
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Excellent experience bar the scrum at Horseguards
In full: First one for me and even though I had a bad run I had a great experience. The organisation was fantastic before and during the race and the ideal weather certainly helped.
My only issue was with the absolute scrum getting in and out of the rendezvous at Horseguards parade which took an age and for kids was not fun at all. If I'm lucky enough to get in again I'll learn the lesson and arrange to meet elsewhere.
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Sarah Mills 11
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 80% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Fantastic!
In full: This was my first marathon and I will definitely try to get in again. The support from the spectators was amazing and the organisation was fantastic. I was particularly impressed with the baggage lorries, I was handed my bag before I had even reached the relevant lorry at the finish.
The only negative I have is that in my opinion there weren't enough portaloos, especially not to match the amount of water stations! I think I lost about half an hour in queues!
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Cheryl Edwards
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: Excellent crowd support ! thank you. The volunteers are all excellent and do a fantastic job. Does get tight, over crowded in places. Done it twice now and will give another marathon a try now and let someone else enjoy the fabulous experience of running this now.
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Andy C 350
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: An amazing day out.
In full: This was my first full marathon but no my first major event (I have done the GNR and Silverstone halves).
The organisation was very, very slick and the free tube transport on race day was a nice touch too so you dont have to worry about carrying change.
I found the course to be very narrow and crowded throughout the whole race which came as a surprise, i'll never be setting records but I can usually find myself in a bit of space, not here!
There were a LOT of water stations but I suppose it's because they know that there will be many one-time marathoners and beginners running.
I found the finish area VERY slick, especially the medal ramps and baggage lorries. Although Horse-guards was very busy, a guy from our charity found us and took us to their reception.
It was a fantastic day and the weather helped as it was pretty much perfect. Provided I get through the ballot, I will definately do this race again.
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Slug Runner
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: This is THE race
In full: I've ran every section of the race during 7 years of living in London. This race pieced together 7 years of memories. The crowd, organisers, volunteers and friends and family made it an incredible race from start to finish.
I will forever remember this race. It is the best present London could give me as a leaving gift when I relocate overseas next month. I'll miss you
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: touie2
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 60% | | PB potential | | 60% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: great big city marathon with amazing crowd support
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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2012 race reviewed by: Shelley Basharan
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 100% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 100% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: FANTASTIC!!!! Would love to do it again some day
In full: Had a FANTASTIC day and the weather was perfect! The support was amazing...I am still boring people talking about it!Lots of water stations - thank you :0) The only thing I would say...and it's minor - is that I thought there might be more of a 'festival' feel at the start like the GNR...BUT it was great to run around my old stomping ground ;0) Defo a life long favourite!
Date of review: April 25, 2012
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