The London Marathon is nearly upon us. In a matter of days the elite athletes will be descending on St. James Park for a 19.6 lap race early on Sunday morning. The spectacle will be a race for the ages, stacked competitive fields, an unfamiliar course, and the potential for World Records to fall. But as always with a prestigious event like the London Marathon the appeal often lies in the bigger picture.
The elite race is one thing but really it’s the 45,000 other runners who make the event what it is. This year is no different.
Whilst Kipchoge and Bekele are pushing each other all the way to the finish line on Sunday, and Cheruiyot and Chepngetich are trying to chase down Kosgei (or any other combination of that three); up and down the country runners of all ages and experiences will be running their own London Marathon, on their own altered routes, in their own time, on their own terms.
It’s a testament to the appeal of the race that in a time when social interactions are under constant strain and sometimes non-existent. The London Marathon is still bringing thousands of people together and making them feel connected.
This year’s the London Marathon is The 40th Race in its history. It’s the first time it’s been run under these circumstances, on this route, with this level of competitive fields across the board, and it’s the first virtual London Marathon. These reason alone are enough for this year to be considered one of the greatest events in its long history, regardless of the outcome come Sunday afternoon.
This year is the one to be remembered and commemorated like no other, and to that end even those of us not officially involved in taking part in the event on Sunday can still feel part of the movement thanks to New Balance and their London Marathon Edition range; and for those of you who are running on Sunday there is still just about time to order your gear to really look the part out on those streets, wherever that may be, on Sunday.
There is something for everyone in the collection. From the London Edition Fresh Foam 1080v10 and Fresh Foam Tempo shoes, the latter in a rather striking shade of London Marathon red, to the red pattern Printed Impact Run T-shirt or singlet and matching 3″ Split Short. There is commemorative t-shirts and accessories as well as the most important piece of clothing this time of year, especially judging by the potential weather moving in for the weekend, rain jackets and hoodies.
Every item of clothing has the usual New Balance appeal and style but with the added suaveness that the London Edition provides – if you can call running gear “suave”? You know what I mean – It looks slick, it looks fresh, it looks top quality and you would not expect anything less when involved with the London Marathon.
We have been lucky enough to get a hold of a few items and will be giving them away completely free! Go check out our Twitter page to find out how to enter the competition to win the bundle including the Red Printed Impact Run T-shirt, matching Red Printed Impact Run Shorts and RUN LDN New Balance Bobble hat. Entries close after the race on Sunday 23:59 GMT, and is open to UK residents only. Winners picked at random, No cash or alternative prizes, Judges decision will be final. Good luck!
Shop the full line here
