Another week, another race review… or maybe this one’s more of a pace review!
Last weekend I headed down to the Virgin Sport ASICS London 10K. This was my first-ever running event in the capital and I was so excited to be there. This one felt extra special because I’d been given the chance to pace again. I’ve paced 10Ks before, but this was my very first time pacing for a 60-minute finish – a milestone for many runners, which made it feel like a real privilege.
The Morning of the Race: Meeting the 60-Minute Pacers
On race day there were over 10,000 runners taking part. With 60 minutes being such a popular goal, there were six of us pacing that time. I was in good company with the other pacers, all of us ready to help runners hit that magic sub-60. We arrived early to grab our official pacer kit and flags, proudly representing the #dreamteam. After the obligatory group photo, we split into our designated pens to join the mass warm-up and get ready to go.
Pre-Race Strategy and Start Line Atmosphere
I decided to stick with the other pacers so we could keep the group together. Positioned a little further back, our goal was to support everyone aiming to break the 1-hour mark. We reassured the runners around us that we’d be bringing them home just under 60 minutes, which helped ease a few last-minute nerves.
The race officially got underway at 9:30 a.m., but thanks to the wave starts, it was closer to 9:45 when we finally crossed the start line. The ASICS London 10K really is a brilliant route, winding through the heart of central London. Starting in Piccadilly and finishing on Whitehall beside the Women in War memorial, it treats you to incredible views of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way.
The Challenges of Running in London: Tight Turns and GPS Issues
The course had quite a few out-and-back sections and some tight turns, which naturally made things a bit slower. To stay on track, our plan was to bank a little extra time in the first few kilometres so we had a buffer later on if the course measured slightly long. One curveball we hadn’t expected was the tall buildings playing havoc with our GPS watches – classic city race problem! Luckily, we had pace bands to fall back on, which made it easy to match our splits with the kilometre markers and keep everything ticking along nicely.
London Landmarks and Crowd Support
Despite the technical challenges, running through London was a dream. We passed by Trafalgar Square, St. James’ Palace, Westminster Abbey, and of course, Big Ben (currently undergoing restoration), and the London Eye. The atmosphere was electric, with live bands, music, and cheer zones energising the runners.
Pacing Success: Encouragement to the Finish Line
By the 7km mark, we’d settled into a nice little group of runners who had been with us right from the start. It felt like we were all in it together, and we made it our job to keep the energy up and the pace steady. As the finish line came into sight, we cranked up the encouragement, shouting at everyone around us to dig deep and go for it.
We crossed the line in 59:39, which felt like such a win. Helping people smash that sub-60 goal was honestly more rewarding than chasing my own PB. Moments like that are exactly why I love pacing.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives: A Plastic-Free Race
One thing that really stood out at the ASICS London 10K was how committed the event was to going plastic-free. Instead of the usual plastic bottles, water was handed out in recyclable paper cups, and those flimsy kit bags we all end up throwing away were swapped for sturdy cotton totes you can actually use again. Even the race t-shirts were made from recycled plastic bottles, which I thought was brilliant. Admittedly, drinking from a cup while running isn’t the easiest skill to master, but it felt worth it knowing the event was putting sustainability first. It was so good to see a big race making eco-friendly choices.
Verdict: Is the ASICS London 10K Worth It?
Overall, I had an amazing time at the Virgin Sport ASICS London 10K. The atmosphere, the sights, and the opportunity to help others achieve their goals made it one of my favorite race experiences to date. However, with the tight turns and a slightly challenging course layout, this race might not be ideal for setting a personal best. Additionally, at £45, it’s on the pricier side for a 10K – but with race photos included in the entry fee, the cost feels justified.
Ready to Race? Register for the Next ASICS London 10K
If you’re tempted to take part in this fantastic race next year, you can pre-register for first access to early bird entries.
*my entry was kindly gifted by ASICS and Virgin Sport
