The London Marathon: Did They All Make It? A Celebration of (Almost) Everyone Crossing the Finish Line
The London Marathon - a glorious day of triumph, fancy dress (because who can resist a good gorilla suit for 26.2 miles?), and enough energy gels to fuel a small spaceship. But let's face it, whispers fill the pre-race air: how many people don't actually finish the London Marathon?
Fear not, trepidatious runner! While a marathon is a beast of a challenge, the truth is far less daunting than you might think.
 |
| How Many Don't Finish London Marathon |
Not Everyone Gets a Gold Medal (But You Still Get Bragging Rights!)
The beauty of the London Marathon is that it's for everyone. From seasoned athletes to weekend warriors (and even the occasional man-in-a-banana-costume), the spirit is about completing the course, not necessarily breaking records. And guess what? The vast majority of participants do just that. We're talking well over 98% cross the finish line, which is pretty darn impressive.
Tip: Take your time with each sentence.
So, Who Are the Mysterious 2%?
There will always be a small percentage who don't complete the race for various reasons. Maybe they underestimated the power of a strategically placed porta-loo break. Perhaps a rogue pigeon dive-bombed them, causing a minor emotional meltdown (hey, it happens!). Injuries, sudden hunger pangs for that pre-race pie you regrettably skipped, or simply hitting a wall - all perfectly valid reasons to pull out.
Remember: Completing a marathon is a personal victory, and there's no shame in prioritizing your health or sanity over that final push.
QuickTip: Pause at transitions — they signal new ideas.
But I Still Want to Be Part of the 98%!
Here's the good news: with proper training, hydration, and enough snacks to rival a squirrel's winter stash, you've got a fantastic shot at becoming a London Marathon finisher.
Here are some resources to help you conquer those 26.2 miles:
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
 |
- Training plans galore: A quick web search will unearth a million (okay, maybe a slight exaggeration) training plans to fit your experience level.
- Befriend the humble banana: Pack plenty of easy-to-digest snacks to keep your energy levels up.
- Hydration is key: Water is your best friend, not that sugary sports drink that vaguely resembles neon pink antifreeze.
How to Train Like a Boss: Train consistently, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to ask for advice from experienced runners.
How to Avoid a Hangry Meltdown: Pack plenty of energy gels, chews, or whatever keeps your hangry monster at bay.
QuickTip: Read step by step, not all at once.
How to Stay Hydrated: Sip water regularly throughout the race, and don't wait until you're parched to reach for a drink.
How to Deal with Unexpected Issues: Train in different weather conditions, have a plan for potential blisters (body glide is your BFF!), and remember, sometimes a walk break is all you need to get your groove back.
How to Celebrate (Even if You Didn't Technically Finish): You ran a marathon! That's amazing! Reward yourself with a giant slice of cake (or two), a relaxing bath filled with rubber duckies (because why not?), and endless bragging rights.
So there you have it! The London Marathon is an achievable challenge for most, with a high completion rate. Now get out there, train smart, and get ready to conquer those streets (and maybe high five a gorilla or two along the way).
 |
