April: London Marathon has Entered the Chat

The sun is semi-committed, the rosé’s been uncorked, and half of London has mysteriously joined Strava overnight. Yep - the London Marathon is about to happen, and suddenly running is a lifestyle, not just a sport.

But let’s get one thing clear: this isn’t just a race. It’s a national event. A spectator sport. A full-city serotonin boost. A very public excuse to stand on a pavement, scream encouragement at strangers, and then reward yourself with four pastries as if you just ran 26.2 miles.

What Actually Happens on Marathon Weekend?

Marathon Day in the UK is for:

  • Narrating like you’re a BBC commentator, even though you haven’t run since you were 12.
  • Making signs that say things like: You thought this was hard? Try online dating.
  • Becoming irrationally emotionally invested in a stranger in neon shorts who you will never, ever see again.
  • Taking one blurry photo of feet mid-stride and posting it with: LONDON 💙.
  • Swearing you’ll run next year and then ghosting that idea by Monday.
  • Getting day-drunk on a Sunday.
  • Still thinking about that guy who looked like he was going to cry at Mile 22 and wondering if he’s okay now.
  • Shouting “You’ve got this” to strangers as if you’re their personal coach and childhood bestie rolled into one.

And then… Post-Marathon:

By Monday, every office kitchen and WhatsApp group is full of:

  • “My cousin’s ex ran it - did it in sub-four hours!”
  • “Honestly, I think I could do it next year.” (But you won’t)
  • “My legs are sore and I didn’t even run.”

Everyone’s a little sore, a little inspired, and deep into a Google spiral of “easy 5k training plans.”

Honestly? It’s Kind of Beautiful

For one day, a massive, often-chaotic city becomes one big support system. It’s about effort over ego. Grit over glam. People running for something bigger than themselves - for charities, in memory of loved ones, or simply to prove they can.

So this April, whether you’re running, cheering, or just vibing: soak it all in. The noise. The emotion. Some guy running in a full rhino suit. The big weird beautiful energy of a city showing up!