What to expect at the London Marathon Running Show

In April 2019 I completed the London Marathon for WellChild. It was my first marathon and although it didn’t quite go to plan – read about what happened in this blog post – I still felt a sense of achievement.

I’ve been very lucky that I’ve actually been given the chance to run it again next year for Shaw Trust. More about this here. You can also find fundraising page online here: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/EmilyHiggins3

Any donations would be very much appreciated!

I’m in no way an athlete, but I have been running for quite a while now, so I thought I’d start a series of blog posts about the London Marathon and what better place to start than with the London Marathon Running Show.

It was in the Excel centre which I believe will also be the case next year too. There’s no onsite car park, but I believe there is a car park close by, although from memory I remember people saying it was pretty expensive. We just jumped on the tube which was pretty quick and straight forward to get to. Just follow the crowds!

When does the running show open?

From my experience of this years running show, it opened on the Wednesday before race day and closed at 5pm on the Saturday (the day before the London Marathon).

Can my family and friends come with me to the London Marathon Running Show?

Yes, they can. The running is show is free for anyone to attend. There is a separate entrance for runners, but they’re side by side so you don’t need to worry about loosing your family/friends.

Runners go through the runner entrance so that they can collect their race number, timing chip and information pack. You’ll need to bring ID with you and make sure you follow the London Marathon Final Instructions to the letter so that everything goes smoothly.

In the final instructions which will be emailed to you and is also on the London Marathon website, you’ll find everything you need to know from registering for the race and collecting your race pack, visiting the running show, information about what happens on race day, where and when to start, getting to the start and assembly areas, important timings, the course, the finish, medical advice and more!

What happens once I’ve collected my race pack?

When you’ve collected your race pack, you’re free to explore!

It’s pretty busy at the running show, but there is lots to do.

You’ll find a variety of different exhibitors selling their merchandise from trainers, clothes to gels etc. This is also where you can meet your charity if you’re running or raising money for a charity.

In addition to the exhibitors and charities, there are lots of talks going on from an incredible line up of speakers. I’d recommend checking the programme out so you can organise who you want to see.

There’s also a photo opportunity for you to pose with a number of different London Marathon backgrounds etc and also a chance to see the medal in real life.

In addition, there are games where you can challenge yourself on the giant treadmill or win a donation to your fundraising page from playing bowling and other games etc.

The running show is also a chance to meet up with other runners and you may even spot a celebrity or two!