Serpentine/London Marathon Store New Year's Day 10k
1 January 2005 

The first gathering of forumites in 2005...three laps of Hyde Park for the 10k, and one lap for the 3k.

Moomoo, Scotty, Rabs and JJ

I pitched up at 1000 to help marshall, and quickly spotted the looming figure of JJ, with Scotty and Rabbs (running) and Moomoo supporting.

JJ adjusting his sock

It was fantastic to meet Redhead and Mike for the first time. And Jj was running her first 10k, so a  pb guaranteed.

Rabbs, Scotty, Jj, JJ, Red, Mike

After photos and a chat, I headed over to the Dell cafe, where I was marshalling with fellow Serpie Bob.

Chilly marshalls

Just before the start, I spotted a runner with 'Urban Road Runner' on his vest - so I shouted 'Urban!' and introduced myself. His achilles was okay, so he would be racing. The Lucans joined me for a while: they were all running in the fun run later.

It looked like a good fast race at the front, and I was able to scream at our runners as they came past. Urban just pipped Big Tim at the finish, which Tim claimed was not fair as Urban had said he might not be running at all. JJ raced past me, then returned to roar Red and Jj home. The 10k then melted into the 3k, with some very speedy youngsters at the front. Lady Lucan and Little Lord Lucan came past, with LLL putting on a fine sprint finish to beat his mum. The remaining Lucans completed the race.

Big Tim, JJ, Rabs, Jj and Little Nemo

I was bloody freezing after a couple of hours marshalling, so we met up with Little Nemo and the Lucans to head for the Dell cafe. Sorry about eating half your cake, JJ.

Happy new year!