London Marathon 2016 Pre Race

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Marathon weekend start with swimming lessons with the girls before final packing and off to the station for the 12:30 train.  My initial plan was to jump off at stratford hop on the DLR to the excel centre.  Only problem was my train did not stop at stratford.  The train was delayed and arrived at Liverpool street station 20mins late.  A short 10 minute walk from Liverpool street to Tower gateway and the DLR to the Excel for Registration.  Pretty much everyone on the train were heading for registration.

Registration and the Expo

The entrance to the Excel was decked out in Virgin London Marathon banners.  Dead easy to find registration and everything orders by your race number which is on your confirmation letter which you have to bring with you and sign in front of the people at registration along with photo id.

Once registered its off to get your timing chip which is where i bumped into this guy who is attempted to break the world record for a marathon as a ????
Then you are directed into the expo.  With the opportunity to pick up some last minute items and browse through the exhibitions.

 The Garmin stand i got talking to one of the guys there and mentioned issues with the ANT stick for syncing my watch and he handed me a spare to use and the contact details for the customer services if the issue continues.
There were a few other runners with their costume for the race who were gathering a fair crowd.
The only semi famous person I spotted was Gary? who was in the apprentice last year.  Really friendly guy who was more than happy to stop and chat.
Once I was though the expo it was off to my cousin Colin and his wife Marcela for the night.  This is view from their apartment of the Shard.

The contents of the Registration and goodie bag.

Final instructions which pretty much repeat the information in the confirmation magazine and a few nibbles and the usual flyers.

Was great catching up for Colin and Marcela who had cooked a huge lasagne for tea.

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