Today I ran my first race of 2015! The London Winter Run 10k was a perfect way to kick off February, support a great cause, catch up with friends, and enjoy a run through some of London’s top sights.

After a quick breakfast of oatmeal, banana and DailyBurn Pre, Charlie and I headed into Central London. The convenient starting location in Central London meant it only took us one tube and 30 minutes to reach the race area. On the tube it became clear that the race attracted lots of people in its inaugural year as the tube was filled with runners! Upon exiting at Embankment we headed up to the VIP area to pick up our bibs and check in with the other ladies. The organizers were kind enough to provide some of us with bibs in exchange for helping them get the word out about the race and the great cause it supported, Cancer Research UK.

The VIP area was unlike anything I’ve experienced, complete with bag storage, sparkly nail manicures, snowflake face art, sparkle lips, refreshments, and guided warm-ups. Due to the race’s wave start, we opted to stay in the warmth and start in a later corral so we could run together. 

An hour later we emerged, complete with sparkling snowflakes adorning our cheeks and glitter lips!

After giving a few polar bears high fives, we reached the starting area, packed with runners waiting for their wave to begin. There were seven waves in total, each one allowing around 2,500 runners to start before cutting it off. The starting line staff did a great job keeping the crowd’s mood up with warm-ups and loud music. It was blustery and frigid at the start but group dancing helped keep us warm. Big Ben smiled down on us as we huddled together, waiting for our corral to cross the starting line. During the 30 minutes we waited it continued to get sunnier. burning off the morning clouds.

My goal for the race was to have fun and enjoy the course, only focusing on maintaining a consistent pace. Luckily Charlie, Zoe, Leah and Laureen had the same idea! Since my goal for the day was bidding Leah farewell, I stuck by her side, letting her set the pace. The race course was well organized with volunteers supporting and guiding runners in the right direction, large signs marking each kilometer, a water station and multiple “Winter snow zones” along the course. As the Swiss Tourism Agency was one of the sponsors, there were even fun Swiss flags illuminating the tunnels!  Due to the corral system the race never felt too crowded, even in the narrower areas where the course looped through London and sent runners turning back towards the finish area. The flat, fast course could be a great PB attempt though I highly recommend running it for fun too! In fact, I would recommend this 10k to any London runner who is looking for a fun way to get out and enjoy London during the bleak winter months.

Everyone in our group enjoyed it and the snowflake medals we received upon crossing the finish line! London definitely gives out more race medals than Switzerland!

After the finish we met the rest of the group at Bill’s Restaurant for brunch. Leah did a great job organizing and due to placing our food orders in advance, we each had delicious food within minutes of sitting down!

I’m so thankful that Leah’s organization and support of the London fitness community helped me meet so many inspiring ladies! The Team Naturally Run community is so supportive and perfect for anyone in London looking for group fitness and running support!