​GO GHERKIN!

The London Marathon is simultaneously a gruelling challenge in which the world's top athletes and thousands of talented amateurs stretch the limits of their physical and mental endurance, and a great celebration of community spirit and involvement.

 

The 26.2-mile course starts in Greenwich Park and finishes in front of Buckingham Palace, passing many of London's most famous landmarks along the way. One of the six World Marathon Majors, it draws notable competitors keen for a share of athletic glory (and a $1m prize) - perhaps the most famous competitor this year will be Mo Farah.

 

At the same time, the London Marathon is the world's biggest annual charity event. Every year participants raise more than £50m for charities. This great work creates a fantastic buzz around the event. It's the one day of the year when Londoners chat to strangers - even on the tube! If you've never been to watch, I really recommend you join the hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the route - it's a fantastic day out.

 

This year will be my 5th attempt at the London Marathon course. My times range from 3:48:08 in 2005 to 2:58:13 last year. But this year I expect to be a bit slower, because I'll be carrying a heavy load. I'm hoping for 3:30. Why not set me a target and give me an incentive to keep going?