A Marathon not a Sprint – under a tunnel approach Traditional Geocache

Geocache Description:

I live about a half hour walk from the start of the London Marathon yet have never been to watch it! On 10/04/2014 I was in Blackheath placing a couple of new caches and I got the idea to begin a series of caches following the route of the event. All caches in the series are on, or very close to, the actual route.

About A Marathon not a Sprint - under a tunnel approach.

The London Marathon is a long-distance running event held in London, United Kingdom and part of the World Marathon Majors. The event was first run on 29 March 1981 and has been held in the spring of every year since. The 33rd London Marathon took place on 21 April 2013, and the 34th London Marathon was on 13 April 2014.

The race was founded by the former Olympic champion and journalist Chris Brasher and Welsh athlete John Disley. It is organised by Hugh Brasher (son of Chris) as Race Director and Nick Bitel as Chief Executive. Set over a largely flat course around the River Thames, the race begins at three separate points around Blackheath and finishes in The Mall alongside St. James's Park. Since the first marathon, the course has undergone very few route changes. In 1982, the finishing post was moved from Constitution Hill to Westminster Bridge due to construction works. It remained there for twelve years before moving to its present location at The Mall.

The first London Marathon was held on 29 March 1981, more than 20,000 applied to run. 6,747 were accepted and 6,255 crossed the finish line on Constitution Hill. The Marathon's popularity has steadily grown since then. As at 2009, 746,635 people have completed the race since its inception. In 2010, 36,549 people crossed the line, the biggest field since the race began. The first wheelchair marathon race was held in 1983 and the event was credited with reducing the stigma surrounding disabled athletes.

The Cache

As the runners continue towards Greenwich and the Cutty Sark they pass under the tunnel approach road that they had earlier passed over, not far from the start. This is a home-made cache with a log only. You will need a pencil or pen to sign the log and possibly tweezers. Please return the cache to exactly the same place it was found. Although near busy roads, it is accessible for wheelchair users. This is a possible cache and dash, with limited short-term parking possibly available in side streets. This can be a busy area traffic-wise, so stealth is important. I can guarantee thousands of muggles during the race!