I have wanted to do this event for around 3 years but never had the chance. When I got the opportunity to run the Cancer Research London Winter Run, I jumped at the chance! Being the biggest 10km event in London and being for a great cause, it was a great honour to be able to take part! Here are my thoughts on the event.
Winter Run Event Base
Firstly the location of the run is awesome. Starting in the iconic Trafalgar Square really sets the tone for the run. Surrounded by some of London’s nicest buildings and a buzzing crowd is always a great way to start an event. To add to the whole winter vibe it was freezing! Luckily Nuffield health were handing out these amazing caps which definitely kept in all of the heat so the cold became even less of a problem. Plus the Nuffield tent were serving hot drinks and it was very warm in there! Bag drop was very quick, and there was never a time where I thought things were moving slow. Music playing in the background kept everyone in an upbeat mood and the atmosphere was great!
London Winter Run
The route was great as it’s starts in Trafalgar Square and takes you through the city passing iconic buildings such as the Adelphi Theatre and The Savoy hotel towards St Paul’s Cathedral and then back towards the starting area of Nelsons Column. This really is the run you want to do if you are visiting London for the first time! On the other hand as a Londoner myself, I forget how beautiful this city is!
To add even more atmosphere, along the route you had the amazing volunteers (most dressed up as wintery characters) giving everyone that extra push with a high five or a cheer! Who said life size penguins were scary?
For myself the run itself was perfect. I wasn’t shooting for a personal best as many I have spoken too that have ran this event in the past, said it was one to take in your stride and enjoy. That is exactly what I did. Seeing as it was a 10k event the London Winter Run wasn’t going to challenge me but it definitely allowed me to get out and run with friends in a chilled setting.
Even though I wasn’t aiming for a personal best, my finish time was 49:57 which was inside my goal of maximum 50 mins (scrapes by) and 2 mins behind my 10k PB. This event did make me remember that sometimes it’s not always about the competition but about enjoying the moment!
My London Winter Run thoughts
I would advise this run to family’s and friends looking to get out and do something active together. The environment is great and the route won’t disappoint. Everyone is there to have a great time and you will get that sense of camaraderie from each and every participant. With it being so well organised and also supporting such a great cause like Cancer Research UK, it’s definitely one you should have in your diaries for 2020! This was a great way for me to start my racing season and I now look forward to a very busy March of road races!
Were you at the Cancer Research London Winter Run? How did you do? Will you be back next year? Let me know your thoughts on the comments below and thanks for reading!
I was given the opportunity to take part in the Cancer Research London Winter Run by the event organisers and Human Race Events in exchange for this review but all opinions are my own.
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