The streets of London saw record-breaking runners, their families, and curious onlookers swarmed the area for the TCS London Marathon. Many Asian names became a part of the marathon this year. Some included the Skipping Sikh, his daughter Minreet Kaur, her mother Pritpal Kaur, journalist Prasun Sonwalkar and Biswajit Bhattacharya among others.
On April 23, the London Marathon partnered with Guinness World Records to celebrate all the incredible feats accomplished by runners. After last year’s event was held in October, the 43rd edition of the marathon returned to its traditional spring date.
This year’s marathon was a sight to behold, as runners attempted to break records in unique ways, reported Guinness World Records.
A record-breaking number of children crossed the famous Finish Line and picked up their medals at the TCS Mini London Marathon on April 22.
More than 8,000 participants were cheered on by crowds of families and friends as they took on one-mile or 2.6K courses in the mass participation and championship events, designed for schoolchildren of all abilities and the best young athletes.
A standalone event for the second year, the TCS Mini London Marathon kicks off a bumper weekend of inspiring activity, with the 26.2-mile adult event taking place tomorrow.
TCS London Marathon Event Director Hugh Brasher reflected on today's event, as participants crossed the Finish Line to celebrate with medals and high-fives.
Five-year-old twins Simar and Sehej Grewal, who are from Uxbridge, were back for a second year.
Sehej said: “The best part was everyone high-fiving us along the way. I was very happy and enjoyed it. We’re going to come back and collect more medals.”
Biswajit Bhattacharya told Asian Voice, “My recommendation for all runners is to do the London Marathons at least once. The incredible crowd with loud cheer and music will take you through the full 26.2 miles.
“While professionals like Kipchoge make running a marathon look easy, for an average mortal it takes 3-5 hours to cross the finish line. That’s a long run! I had trained for it. However, things do not go as planned. On D-day, London got up with the rain. We all reached the starting line at Greenwich Park with dresses completely drenched. But all of us were high in spirit and excitement.
“The continuing rain and on-and-off water puddles made running a bit complex. I had developed cramps after the 24 KM mark and had to slow down the pace. Crossing the Tower Bridge is one of the high points of this marathon. The decibel level among the crowd also goes up as we move closer. Finally, I crossed the finish line. The medal is now well-earned!
“It’s truly an international marathon with participants from all corners of the globe. Running community makes friends easily and this Sunday was no exception. There are hundreds of men and women from the Indian Sub-continent running. Prior to the run, we all were wishing PB (personal best) to each other. Met a group of Thai runners at the start line. I am carrying back an amazing experience hoping to come back again sometime soon.”
Minreet Kaur spoke to the newsweekly and said, “I ran the London marathon with my parents for the first time. They are in their 70’s and I’m nearly half their age. The experience was a mix of emotions. The day started with rain and ended in rain. It was raining throughout except between 4-6 pm, but by then my mum and I were wet and cold. We made the most of the atmosphere and hearing the crowds cheering everyone on was amazing.
“My mum had to stop at mile 17 due to cramps and severe muscle pain in her legs. I was determined to finish as I wanted to get the medal for my mum!
“I met my dad near the finishing line and we ran through it together as we did this as a family and even though my mum wasn’t there to run over the finishing line, to me they are inspirational! It was an experience to remember and we will definitely do it again hopefully with better weather!”
