) --As a Runner's World supporter virgin I wasn't sure what to expect from the support teams. They were great in making us feel welcome and useful. Here Meerkat, Lady Lucan, Meldy and Legless deserve a special mention. It was interesting to meet some

, either as a runner or a spectator will know why: it is quite simply the greatest running event in the world!RFJ, 3:51The start area was great. I met up with Tea and Toast Man, AlanM and Dunnarunner as planned on the 3:30 forum. That was the best part

sure I would be capable of undergoing the necessary training. I did another two halfs including the Great North Run and now had a PB of 1:47:17. At Christmas my focus switched to training for London and I used the Runners World Intermediate schedule

did notice was how well the whole event was organised from start to finish. I can see now why it is the best marathon in the world.Beanz52, 6:32:28Best moment? Meeting the forumites at mile 17 – I’m not sure how I'd have got that far without them

-prepared, having trained for six weeks. I used the Runner’s World emergency schedules which were excellent. But work pressures and a nasty cold cut into this last-minute attempt at training. I feared for my life as I stood at the back of pen nine at Blackheath! I

surely have gone to bed on Saturday night pleading: 'Whatever you do, Dad, don't get overtaken by a rhino'."John Brown, 4:50Many thanks to the Runner's World pacer. Sticking with the 11-minute mile group made my first marathon (at 57) a lot easier

for organising us at Mile 17! It was great to meet so many other Runner's World forumites, both trotting past (pausing only for a chat and a handful of jelly babies), and lending voice to the cheering.I spent a joyous race handing out baggies of jelly babies