The countdown begins. We can t believe how quickly the time has gone and how close we are getting to event day! We are so proud of all of you for all your hard work in both fundraising and training. Thank you so much for all of your dedication and commitment throughout your marathon journey so far. In this booklet you will find guidance and information to help you get ready for the big day. You will find information about: The London Marathon Expo page 3 Team Photo at the start on race day page 4 Information about the start page 5 Cheer point information page 6 Supporter T-shirts page 7 Post Marathon after party at the Playhouse Theatre page 8 We hope the contents of this booklet helps to reduce any worries you might have and that it will give you as much advice and information as possible, so that you can enjoy your day. If you do have any further questions about the day and lead up, please do get in touch though-no question is unimportant! Wishing you all the best during your final few weeks of training. We hope you have an great marathon day and enjoy the atmosphere - it will be a day to remember! We look forward to seeing you on the big day! Emma & the Samaritans Events Team 2
London Marathon expo As you know, everyone taking part in the London Marathon must visit the London Marathon Expo to collect your race pack which includes your runner number, timing tag and kitbag in order to be able to take part in the event on the day. When to visit? The London Marathon Expo is open on the following dates: Wednesday 18 April 11:00-20:00 Thursday 19 April 10:00-20:00 Friday 20 April 10:00-20:00 Saturday 21 April 09:00-17:00 What do I need to bring with me? Your registration form that you will receive from London Marathon at the end of March with your Final Instructions E-Magazine Photo identification (passport or driving license) Where is the London Marathon Expo? The London Marathon Expo is held at the ExCel centre in East London. ExCel 1 Western Gateway Royal Victoria Dock London E16 1XL Make sure you plan your journey to the ExCel before you travel. Visit: https://www.excel.london/ What do I do if I can t get to the Expo? If you can t get to the Expo to collect your race pack, you will need to: Nominate someone to attend the Expo and collect your runner number for you. The person you nominate must have the following with them when they attend registration: A letter written and signed by you authorising the person by name to collect your running number, a clear copy of your passport or drivers license. Sign the declaration on your registration form. When your nominee gives the form to the Registration Clerk, they will check your details and signature against the photocopied form of ID you give to them. Your nominee also needs to bring some identification (their passport or driving license). 3
Join us for the Team 2018 souvenir picture at the vantage point next to the General Wolfe Statue, Greenwich Park from 8am on Marathon Day. 4
The start of the big day... The Samaritans Events Team will be in Greenwich Park from 8am to meet you. We will be taking a Team 2018 photograph before the race begins at the General Wolfe Statue at the vantage point over looking the park, (point A on the map below). We then recommend that you head to your start wave from 9am at the latest, ready for the start of the race at 10am. You will be receiving your Virgin London Marathon e-magazine from the organisers with all the official start time information, including your race number and start colour and wave. If you have not received this by Tuesday 3 April, please let the race organisers know by calling 020 7902 0200. It is crucial that you receive this. A B Directions From the entrance at St Marys Gate follow the arrows to the vantage point for the team souvenir photograph. After the photographs follow the road to point B (red start assembly) in plenty of time for the 10am start! 5
Cheering Points We will have 3 Samaritans cheering points along the route. We suggest that your supporters join us at any of these points so that they are more visible to you, as there are thousands of people that line the streets on marathon day. Our cheering points will be located at: Mile 7/Mile 8, Deptford Mile 19, Cabot Square, Canary Wharf - We will be near the Iberia Spanish Restaurant Mile 25 Embankment - Outside the Playhouse Theatre - This is our biggest cheering point and is especially handy for families with children. (Please note we are theatre side, not river side) 6
Supporter T-shirts Thousands of people line the streets all along the route from Greenwich all the way to The Mall. The atmosphere on London Marathon day is incredible! Running for 26.2 miles is of course gruelling and challenging, but knowing that family, friends, colleagues and us at Samaritans are along the route supporting you and shouting your name will not only make the day more special but will also spur you along to the end of the course. If you would like supporter t-shirts for your friends and family posted to you, please contact me at e.sutehall@samaritans.org and let me know how many of each size you would like (small, medium, large, xlarge are available) Alternatively, your supporters can come along to The Playhouse Theatre from 11am on the day to collect their t-shirts. 7
Post Marathon after party Having achieved your marathon goal of crossing the line, head to the Runner Meet and Greet area and you will find a members of our Samaritans Support Team under the letter S and you will then be walked back to The Playhouse Theatre. Once you arrive, you will be taken through the stage door and presented with a certificate on the stage. We do advise your supporters not to go to the finish area as it is completely chaotic. Of course if they would like to then they can, but we do advise your supporters to meet you at The Playhouse Theatre. We would suggest that friends and family head to The Playhouse Theatre as you are expected to finish the race, so that they can be seated in the auditorium to celebrate your arrival on stage. You are then free to have a shower and massage and use the bar facilities to celebrate with your family and friends. The Events Team will be waiting for you at the theatre and look forward to hearing all about your marathon experience. The Playhouse Theatre, Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5DE 8
We look forward to seeing you soon... Thank you so much for all of your hard work, dedication and support so far! 9
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