What happens to make it so special? Firstly, the organisers. Once again, they proved what a sterling job they'll do in helping us design and run the Olympic and Paralympic Marathons in 2012.
Secondly, the dedication of the volunteers – marshalling at the start, handing drinks along the route, presenting the well-earned medals at the end. As we know for the Games, without volunteers events like this simply wouldn’t happen successfully.
Last but not least, the runners themselves. Each year it seems the costumes get slightly more wacky:
What's constant is their enthusiasm and commitment – to beating personal bests and to the charities they're running for.
So I can't let this opportunity pass without giving a massive congratulations to everyone who took part – including, of course, our own London 2012 staff.
A special mention to Nikki Emerson, who works in the London 2012 Licensing team. She came fourth in the women's wheelchair race – the first Brit across the line. An amazing result, I hope we'll be cheering her on to glory in 2012.
