More than 13,000 runners took part in the annual London Winter Run to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
In eight successive waves consisting of 1,900 runners each, an incredible 13,144 attempted the course, a mixture of first time runners, former cancer patients and amateur athletes traning for marathons.
Several of London’s most famous streets were closed off to make up the 10 km course, with participants running past iconic landmarks, including Trafalgar Square, where the race began, Bank, Mansion House and St. Paul’s Cathedral before finishing the course along Whitehall.
“What made the race so special was the great diversity of people all uniting together in an attempt to help the same cause,” said one of the many volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help with the smooth running of the event. All the volunteers, timers, security staff, water bottle distributers and marshals were praised for their ‘selfless nature and positivity’ throughout the day.
Runners were encouraged from start to finish thanks to a troop of drummers, chiors and dancers who braved the cold to offer their support, providing motivation for runners to get across the finish line in one piece.
“The support was brilliant!” said one runner, “Running 10 kilometers is no mean feat, whether you are an Olympic athlete or just a casual runner, but having all the people cheering on the side lines helped make it a very special run for all.”
Harry Vincent, Hampton School
