I was blessed, as a US runner to be able to travel to London and run this amazing race! I had the time of my life in the UK!!! I'd heard stories about trying to get to the start but I didn't have any trouble at all with the trains or the walk to the red start. I was surprised at the low number of porta potties available at the red start! That came back to bite me at mile 21 when I had to use one. This was the first time ever(!) in a marathon where I've had to stop to use the facilities just because I couldn't get to one before the race. The race is fabulous but VERY crowded. VERY(!) crowded. It was difficult to maintain your pace due to the congestion on the course. That being said, it was such an incredible experience, I just changed my race plan and enjoyed the scenery and the great people everywhere cheering. I was surprised at how hilly it was. Towards the end, turning a corner and all of a sudden, there was Big Ben! I mean, there it was!!! How did I not see that before that point in the race? Simply amazing. So much of it, you practically had to stop to soak it all in. Running past Buckingham Palace and zeroing in on that finish line...can't beat this race!!!