The 2024 TCS London Marathon Running Show opened its doors today [Wednesday 17 April] as excitement builds ahead of the iconic event in the capital this weekend.
Thousands of participants will visit the Running Show at ExCeL London over the coming days to collect their Event Packs, listen to expert talks and do any last-minute shopping before Marathon Day on Sunday 21 April.
British wheelchair racing legend David Weir and runners from Samaritans – the 2024 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year – opened the show, which takes place from Wednesday 17 April to Saturday 20 April.
Weir will be racing his 25th consecutive London Marathon and Team Samaritans runners will be raising awareness and funds for the suicide prevention charity.
Roxy McCarthy is running for Samaritans to raise awareness of the service that supported her when she was at her lowest and in memory of her friend Jess who died by suicide in 2020.
Roxy said: “Seven years ago I made a life-changing call to Samaritans when I was in a dark place, but I never told anyone about it, not until my friend Jess died by suicide.
“Her death made me realise that you just don’t know who needs Samaritans’ support. The stigma around struggling and asking for help still prevents us from talking about it, which is what inspired me to take on this challenge.”
Priyanka Sethi, Head of Sales, CMI and Education, TCS UK and Ireland, said: “It’s wonderful to see the marathon participants here today, as they get ready to take part in the marathon on Sunday. Hearing from David Weir and some of the Samaritans runners this morning has been incredibly inspiring.
“We’re excited to share our TCS digital twin concept at this year’s Running Show and showcase how technology can enhance participant experience and inspire healthier choices. We wish all the participants the best of luck on Sunday!”
Like so many of the other participants collecting their Event Packs, Jo Salmon, from London, will be running her first marathon on Sunday.
“I watched my friends run the marathon last year and thought it was incredible. I’ve always said it’s the hardest thing anyone can do and I thought if I could do it, it would build my confidence to do other things in life,” said the 33-year-old.
“I want to take it all in [at the Running Show] and find some socks! I really want to take it all in before the main event on the weekend.”
Barbra Szczepaniak, a 46-year-old nurse from London, is another first-time marathon runner and said the TCS London Marathon has been on her bucket list for a while.
“I was a runner before I had children but hadn’t run for 10 years really, so I’m kind of from the couch to marathon. The training has been extremely painful, and it has been challenging. I have three small kids and a full-time job, but I am going to give it a go!
Claudia Stevenson flew in from Melbourne yesterday evening [16 April] and decided to head to the Show on Wednesday morning to pick up her number and buy some New Balance running kit.
This will be Claudia’s first London Marathon, but she ran the TCS New York City Marathon last year and is aiming to complete the six Abbott World Marathon Majors and claim the iconic medal.
Claudia, 44, will be running with a support runner who she was paired with by Achilles International, an organisation that empowers athletes with disabilities to participate in endurance events around the world. The running group has 34 chapters in 17 countries, including Melbourne and London, and has helped Claudia with her training.
“I have no depth perception so I can’t see what’s on the ground underneath me,” Claudia said. “Even things like line road markings can be really slippery so letting me know they are coming up, or cat’s eyes, so I don’t trip up. It can just be the smallest thing that can undo you.”
Brian Cheung, 35, from New Brunswick in the US, will be running his fifth marathon on Sunday but his first in London. He is also on the Six Star medal hunt and has already run Chicago and New York.
“I am quite nervous but very excited, everyone in London has been so welcoming – it is making me so happy and helping me get ready for the event.”
The 2024 TCS London Marathon Running Show is open until 17:30 on Saturday 20 April. Find out more here.