In the US I usually head to expos with friends and bump into lots of people I know as I walk around. They’re exciting events with a party feel, and are usually followed by dinner, during which we talk about running and jazz each other up for the race ahead. The London Marathon expo was going to be a totally different experience for me as I was back in the UK, where I have no running community. In fact, most of the running I did while living in Britain was to catch the bus, or because I was late for something, and if my friends had heard that I was running a marathon, they would’ve likely thought it was a joke. They definitely would not have wanted to attend an expo with me.

My main piece of advice with expos is to get there as early in the schedule as possible. You don’t want to be running around the day before the race, getting dead legs, picking up all your things and standing in long queues. I was able to take the day off work on the Thursday before the London Marathon, and decided that since I was going by myself, I was going to take my time and really enjoy it.

The London Marathon Expo is held at ExCel London, and is fairly easy to get to by the DLR and the Elizabeth Line. It’s held in a huge conference hall and is full of exhibitors, pop-up shops, all the main running brands, some of the official charities, and a variety of other stalls. Thankfully I was able to pick up my packet in about 5 minutes, which left me with lots of time to explore. Everyone there was so kind and helpful. They took photos for me, helped me decide which swag to purchase (I always want one of everything, but I have a rule that I’m not allowed more than two things) and I even got a light massage. I was able to get lunch, and soak in the atmosphere before heading home. One thing to note is that it can be hard to get a changing room if you want to try clothes on at the expo, so it is a good idea to wear a tank top or a t-shirt so it’s easy to try on in public.

If I was going to give one piece of advice for this expo, not related to running, timing or organization, I’d tell runners to take the cable-car home, and if possible, do it at sunset. The views are incredible, and the journey really filled my soul with anticipation and excitement for the race. The cable car crosses the River Thames between the Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks, and is just a five minute walk from The O2 and North Greenwich Underground station. The whole journey only takes about ten minutes, but you’ll be able to see the O2, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Thames Barrier and the beautiful London skyline. You can learn more about the experience here.

I’d love to know more about your experience at the London Marathon Expo. Do you have any tips to share with your fellow runners?