Why there is nothing like the London Marathon

Hard yards. Runners clamber to the finish today with a mile to go while one man gets treated for cramp

Today I walked across a Westminster Bridge free from cars to join thousands of other people cheering and waving while watching men and women in intense pain run, walk and limp their way towards the London Marathon finish.

At the risk of stating the obvious, there is something very special about the London Marathon. Elite runners aside, it is one of the few sporting events which people from all walks of life can have a go and a very high percentage manage it. But when they do eventually complete the 26.2 miles after hours of blisters, chafing and cramp, I can't imagine the achievement is like anything else.

The marathon is not like Iron Man competitions or triathlons where very dedicated and extremely fit men and women are the ones to take on the challenge. Indeed they do run marathons, but they often aim to do it in a ridiculous time. It is also about Joe Public proving to themselves that they can do it.

Watching today there were hundreds of people who may have never put on running shoes in their life but after watching last year and being inspired by an 80-year-old doing it for Save The Children or and terminally ill cancer patient soldiering on, felt they could manage it too. After New Year they ditch the booze and instead of spending their evenings in the pub, they go out for a jog.

There are many events where people do train to test themselves and raise money for charity, for example a Snowdonia climb or a sponsored bike ride. But whether easier or harder physically, the London Marathon is held in a special high regard and I join the millions more who say hats off to those who have completed it.

Maybe it is because thousands do it at once. Maybe it is because it is on TV. Or maybe it is because of the historic sites of London because experts say that no other marathon compares. It doesn't really matter why. It is just special.

I have never run a marathon. If you know me that won’t surprise you. But have been to watch on a few occasions to cheer on friends and family. This time I did not know anyone personally and went along for the occasion.

It was different because instead of planning the next spot where I could see how my dad or my mate was getting on, I just stood smiling watching the Smurfs, fairies, Spiderman and even a man with prosthetic legs get ever closer to the finish.

Not for the first time, I now feel like I want to apply to do it next year. But not for the first time, I’ll feel relieved if I get a rejection. If I get an acceptance well then I’ll start panicking.