Nick Anstee will this weekend become the first serving Lord Mayor of London to run the London Marathon when the annual race takes place this Sunday.
City of London Corporation officials say the Lord Mayor has continued training throughout the build-up to the race, despite his schedule of work and official overseas visits. Although this Sunday’s marathon is the first for a serving Lord Mayor it is Anstee’s 16th.
Lord Mayor Nick Anstee said: “As the first serving Lord Mayor to run the London Marathon, I am keen to show that I am fit for office and happy to go the extra miles for the City.
“I feel in my bones as a keen long distance runner that attempts to restore public confidence in the financial services industry during my year in office will be a marathon, not a sprint.”
The Lord Mayor is running in support of his charity appeal which will benefit Pitch Perfect, the education arms of the London Symphony Orchestra and the Cricket Foundation which provide musical and cricketing opportunities to young people in London’s most challenging boroughs.
Anstee said: “While I am in office I’m doing my all to help Pitch Perfect wherever I can. I hope you will also look to support me and in turn, the young people of London, to build a better society.”
“My personal challenge is to beat the nine Red Arrows pilots who will be joining me on the start line to raise funds for the vital work of the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal.
To sponsor the Lord Mayor and help raise money for the appeal visit his Just Giving page.
London Marathon Travel Advice
Transport for London has issued a leaflet explaining how spectators can get to various stages of the course a list of buses on diversion. Copies can be downloaded from the TfL website.
A number of roads will be closed to facilitate the marathon including Victoria Embankment between Bridge Street and Northumberland Avenue, Westminster Bridge (both directions) and Bridge Street from 07:00.
Remaining roads from Deptford and north of the Thames including approach roads will close from 08:00. A staggered road reopening programme will be in force throughout the day starting at approximately 11:00. Roads are expected to be fully reopened by 19:00.
A significant number of bus routes will diverted or shortened owing to the Marathon, the affected routes are:
1, 3, 11, 12, 15, 15, 24, 25, 29, 42, 47, 51, 53, 54, 78, 87, 88, 89, 91, 96, 99, 100, 108, 115, 122, 129, 132, 148, 159, 161, 177, 178, 180, 188, 199, 202, 211, 225, 244, 277, 286, 291, 341, 343, 344, 380, 381, 386, 422, 453, 469, 472, 486, 507, C10, D3, D6, D7, D8, P12, RV1 plus East London line replacement bus services.
Route diversions south of the river are expected to be finished by 13:00 and diversions north of the river are expected to finish by 19:00.
TfL is reminding all road and transport users that up to the minute travel information is available from TfL travel information on 0843 222 1234.
shirley critchley says
The first Lord Mayor of London to run the Marathon….please highlight the massive
commitment of Nick Anstee who is running in support of Pitch Perfect, the charity which supports participation by children in music and cricket. He hopes to do a faster time than his friends who are members of the Red Arrows. To train for this in his amazingly busy schedule as Lord Mayor is nothing short of incredible.
Good luck Nick!