TRIED & TESTED: The British 10k

Whilst many tucked into Sunday lunches and enjoyed a lazy weekend, Amy Burton took part in the British 10k on the 13th July 2014. Here’s her review of it…

That was definitely the closest I will get to running a marathon again….

So yes, I have done 2 London Marathons in the past, but no, this does not mean that I am great at running.  Yes I love to run, well I love it when I’m fit and sadly since my last marathon I have gained weight and lost my fitness, but I am currently in an almighty battle to get back to my best and so signing up to a load of 5k and 10k races this year was part of my plan to keep on track; this is my 3^rd 10k this year. I am not a natural runner, I didn’t do long distance country at school, I even joined the ranks of the asthmatics that did not have to run the compulsory once-a-season 1500m in athletics. (I’m mildly asthmatic but definitely nothing to stop me doing any sport….) so basically if I can do it – you can too!

The British 10k is the most expensive of the 10k’s I’ve signed up for and at £50 for the individual runner, it is a hefty sum to pay, but as the route demands road closures and there is a vast number of runners, this means the costs of putting on this run is significantly higher than any of the others, road diversions, security, stewards, amenities, admin, clear up and much, much more – the organisation of it is immense so I do not begrudge the fee in the slightest.

You also get all the following in the British 10k for your fee:

• Technical t-shirt
• Chip timing
• SMS result/place 90-120 minutes after finishing
• Finisher medal
• Commemorative Finisher certificate downloads
• Runcoach – online personal training guide
• 20% discounts to various London attractions and restaurants

The best bit of this run is the amazing route it takes…alongside 19,000 others you get to run through some of the most interesting parts of the city and this is absolutely the selling point for me: Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, The London Eye, Embankment, Westminster Bridge…. It is just so much more fun than your average running scenery and with all the streets closed off and the route lined with supporters you just cannot get closer to that extraordinary atmosphere of doing the marathon than this! (and it hurts a lot less – bonus!) It is very special and lovely seeing all these people turning up to cheer on all the runners– it gives you a lot of added motivation and the time goes by so quickly as at every turn in the road there is something interesting going on.

If you are looking for a PB – this probably is not an ideal situation as due to the sheer numbers it is crowded, however, it is not claustrophobic – once you start jogging space is created and you will feel fine. There are people of all shapes, sizes and different fitness levels so there is no feeling of intimidation at all and with the fun atmosphere your spirits will be lifted throughout the run.

I really loved this race and will definitely do it again – at the end you get a finisher medal and something I was very happy about – free physio given by the kind people from www.yourphysioplan.com so you could have your sore legs seen to!

Sign up for next year – the entry for individual runners is already open!

www.thebritish10klondon.co.uk

Amy Burton lives in West London and can often be found out with her hungry puggle, Humphrey, or roaming London on the hunt of new fitness classes. She is an expert jeweller and designer for Hancocks London and has equipped many of her friends with their engagement rings and wedding bands.