My London Marathon 2025- Alison Robertson
Six days post London marathon.
I want to save these memories forever.
It was such a fabulous weekend from start to finish, primarily because I had my favourite people by my side but also, London…..you were just incredible!
We arrived at our Airbnb on Friday night to discover that the marathon route ran right past the front of our apartment. Round the corner was Tower Bridge, much to Euan’s delight (our future bridge builder 
) Saturday morning was spent at the Expo collecting my bib and taking in the atmosphere created by thousands of potential marathoners! The nerves and excitement were real! After lunch in the park the kids went exploring (ie shopping) and Brian and I fumbled our way back to the apartment to take the weight of our legs, just managing without the guidance of our navigators.
On the tube I offered a lady my seat, Brian immediately gave me his, and I had a beautiful conversation with Rosie Jones as she showed me photos of her marathon run last year. All the while Brian is trying to discretely tell me that she is on the telly, while I am completely oblivious. Brian managed a quick chat as we all stood to exit and I was delighted as she wished me all the best for my run. Relaxing while Isla and Euan shared their haul, we got a video message from Joe Wicks, friend of Darren a fellow OMS warrior. What a lovely boost to an already fabulous day.
Marathon morning we had role reversal as Isla pleated my hair, pinned my bib to my t-shirt, ensured I had everything I needed and calmed my nerves. We have been there at a thousand highland competitions with me pleating hair and here she was looking after me and preparing me for my big moment. Brian walked me to the station and waved goodbye until I was out of sight. I was on my own, but amongst thousands of runners I quickly got chatting to some lovely people who were also ‘alone’. We parted ways with a group hug when we arrived at the trucks to drop off our bags. Runners are surely the most encouraging people you will find.
Toilet time! The queues were long. Like 60 people ahead of you. I queued, used the toilet, and immediately went to the back of the queue to go again. But, again I chatted to other runners and got some last minute advice. Also, my strategy worked as I didn’t need to stop mid race My greatest concern was the temperature. I was delighted that the crowds got such a lovely day, but running in 22 degrees wasn’t exactly my idea of fun. My original plan was to drink as little as possible, but the sun had other ideas and I stopped at every water station, Lucozade station and ice station along the route. Seeing people collapse was awful and I had to ensure that I finished safely. My other worry was that I would run right past my cheer team but with the help of Isla’s encouraging sign, I spotted them at mile 12, mile 19 and at the grandstand at the finish line.
After feeling pretty decent considering the heat, my hips started hurting, just with tiredness, around mile 22 and the last four were a bit of a slog. By this point any idea of running a particular time had long gone and I was happy that I was still moving forward. Our group chat kept me smiling though, especially when Euan informed me I was beating Joe Wicks and finally seeing Big Ben was the boost I needed to get to that finish line.
Cannot finish without the biggest shout out to the London crowds. Without a doubt these people push you to that finish line. It felt like a hundred thousand people were willing me to finish, as though they were somehow completely invested in my success. The way they were shouting my name made me think I was in first place. The bands, choirs, rainbow row, pipe band. Those handing out sweets, fruit, water, beer. The children high-fiving, the hilarious banners, the volunteers at the water stations, the people at the Expo, the photographers, those pointing out the speed bumps, the people telling us we were almost there with 25.5 miles to go, and of course my family who navigated the city to meet me with smiles and cheers…….you have no idea how fabulous you all are!
You created the most memorable weekend for me and around 58,000 other runners. I arrived home to the sweetest gifts and received countless messages of encouragement. I feel completely blessed. If you are going to run one marathon, why not make it the best marathon in the world. A celebration from start to finish.
I done it!