The 2011 London Marathon

"If you want to win something, run 100 metres. If you want to experience something, run a marathon" Emil Zatopek, winner of three Olympic gold medals.

In just a few days time, on the 17th April, thousands of runners will be pounding the streets of the UK capital during the 2011 London Marathon.

Elite athletes from around the world, celebrities and members of the public will set off from Greenwich Park in south-east London and make their way through the capital to the finish line at the Mall, with hundreds of thousands of people lining the streets cheering them on as the whole country is swept up in the excitement of the marathon.

London has a rich sporting history, the very first marathon was held more than a century ago, in the 1908 Olympic Games and was one of the most dramatic and controversial events of the Games.

The first runner to reach within sight of the finishing line was Italian Dorando Pietri, but after a colossal effort, he collapsed several times, unable to continue. Not far from the finish, two officials took him by the arms and brought him to the line. As a consequence, after crossing the line he was disqualified. The medal went to American Johnny Hayes of the Irish American Athletic Club who was second, but all the glory went to Pietri.

When the marathon, as we know it today, began in 1981, it aimed to promote long-distance running, raise money for worthy causes and give people a sense of community. It has been a resounding success, with the race has growing in size, stature and popularity ever since. Now established among the major world events in the sporting calendar, the London Marathon is shown on television in more than 150 countries across the globe.

The London Marathon Charitable Trust

Now in its 30th year, the London marathon has raised a staggering £500 million for charities. As a fundraising event, there is no race in the world that comes close to the London Marathon (it even holds a Guinness World Record for the largest annual fund raising event in the world). The lasting image of the marathon is thousands of runners hitting the street to raise money for charity, most in fancy dress, hoping to stand out from the crowd as sumo wrestlers, giant trees or escaped convicts (to name a few past examples!).

With more than three quarters of all competitors running for good causes, NCC Education would like to wish all our students who are taking part in this great sporting event the very best of luck!!

You can find out more about the London Marathon, its history and all the sponsors and charities, plus how to take part here

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