Carry on Regardless – London Marathon – 11 May 2010

A couple of weeks ago, we went to watch the London Marathon, as one of our friends was taking part in it.  We have been before and we always try and watch it every year on TV.  I think it’s a great event, on TV the view of so many people taking part, going to watch it live at the event is even better.

There is a great sense of community.  Millions of people line the streets to support fellow men and women in their pursuit of the 26.2 miles.  I stood next to a man for an hour or so who was shouting out encouragement the entire time using people’s names that were printed on their vests.  He didn’t know them, but his contribution was to give them support and although many were focusing on putting one foot in front of another, the small and brief acknowledgements of support kept the man next to me going endlessly.

Likewise, towards the end where there is the most pain and suffering, runners help each other to get to the end, so many pictures stick in my mind of people helping each other through that last mile or so.

If you set most people the task of running 26.2 miles, many would start and some would undoubtedly finish, but the drop out rate at the London Marathon is very low – I saw figures of about 500 people, which given the 36,000 starters is amazing.  Sure, the elite runners make it look like a walk in the park, but for those nearer the back, the physical and mental challenge is much greater.  I stood at 13 miles and then at 20 miles and there is no doubt in my mind that the crowd and the constant support count for the success of at least 50% of the competitors – the  encouragement, the water, the food, the banter is what keeps people going.

Isn’t it amazing that God manages to do that for each one of us, every single minute of every single day?  He is there constantly, a bit like the London Marathon crowd to support and encourage and take you to places that you didn’t think possible.

Don’t forget that.