Today is the cut down, but widespread London Marathon 2020. Cut down because the race as we know it is for elite athletes and wheelchair racers only. Widespread because 45,000 people will be taking part in a 24 hour virtual marathon.
Despite the disappointment for many who will have hoped to run in a ‘traditional’ marathon, there is surely encouragement here that the event is still taking place, although in a different format.
Covid-19 is making us all think outside the box, so that the things that we have enjoyed in the past can still take place in modified form, and maybe reach even wider audiences.
It’s appropriate that having finished the ‘Couch to 5K’ programme two days ago, today I ran my first ever 5k. Not on the level that others are running today – I would need to run my 5k about 8 times to cover a marathon distance ! Even so, a small achievement for me. I know that above all, I am benefitting from getting my heart pumping, and bit by bit, getting fitter.
Maybe this time next year, I might do what 45,000 runners are doing today – complete a marathon distance over 24 hours ?
Meanwhile, hats off to all those who will be raising millions of pounds for charity over the next 24 hours.
Five Short Words 