London Marathon 2012: Thrilling Event Sets Stage for Summer Olympic Games

The exciting action in the 2012 London Marathon this weekend has set the stage for what should be an awesome Summer Olympic marathon race in August.

When the Olympics come to London this summer, the marathon will be one of the most emotional events of the competition.

Winning any sort of medal, or even just competing in the Olympics, is a wonderful personal achievement. But winning an event such as a marathon, which requires so much effort and hard work, is truly special.

With 35,970 runners participating in the event (third-highest total ever for London Marathon), the event is certainly a popular one, especially when you consider the thousands of spectators lined up along the course to watch the runners approach the finish line.

The noise of the crowd really helps the runners at these marathons find every drop of endurance and strength inside of them. And when the Olympics arrive, this energy from the spectators will be even greater.

While the runners at the London Marathon fought several challenges along the course ,such as hills and many turns, the Olympic route will be even harder.

Per the New York Times:

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...the London Olympic route is a loop course with many turns, the longest straightaway being less than a half-mile. This will not permit uninterrupted, galloping strides, but will require the cleverness to change direction.

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With a difficult course on the stage of the Olympics, the marathon at this summer's Games in London will be an awesome event you won't want to miss.