Another week, another race review. Or should this be a pace review?
Last weekend, I took part in the Virgin Sport ASICS London 10K—my first-ever running event in London, and I was beyond excited. This race held extra significance as I had been given the opportunity to pace once again. Although I had paced 10K races before, this was my first attempt at pacing for a 60-minute finish, a key milestone for many runners.
The Morning of the Race: Meeting the 60-Minute Pacers
On race day, with over 10,000 runners participating and 60 minutes being a target for many, six of us were pacing for that time. I felt in great company alongside the other pacers, Anna, Becca, Livvy, Jarnail and Tahila. We arrived early to collect our official pacer kit and flags, ready to represent the #dreamteam. After a quick photo, we split into our designated pens for the mass warm-up.
Pre-Race Strategy and Start Line Atmosphere
Becca, Livvy, and I decided to stick together, building a bit of camaraderie with the runners around us. Positioned slightly further back, our goal was to help those aiming to break the 1-hour mark. Becca reassured the runners that we’d be finishing in just under 60 minutes, calming some last-minute jitters.
The race officially started at 9:30 a.m., but with waves to prevent congestion, it was around 9:45 a.m. when we crossed the start line.
The ASICS London 10K Course: Sights, Sounds, and Strategy
The Virgin Sport ASICS London 10K takes you through some of the most iconic parts of central London. Starting in Piccadilly, near the Japanese Embassy, and finishing on Whitehall beside the Women in War memorial, the course offers incredible views of London’s famous landmarks.
The Challenges of Running in London: Tight Turns and GPS Issues
The course features several out-and-back sections and tight turns that naturally slow runners down. Our strategy was to bank a little extra time in the first few kilometers to account for this, giving us a buffer just in case the course ran slightly long. One unexpected challenge was the tall buildings messing with our GPS watches. Thankfully, we had pace bands to keep us on track by matching our watch times to the kilometre markers along the route.
London Landmarks and Crowd Support
Despite the technical challenges, running through the heart of 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 energizing the runners.
Pacing Success: Encouragement to the Finish Line
By the 7km mark, we had established a solid group of runners who stuck with us from the start. We made it our mission to keep everyone motivated and maintain our pace. As we neared the finish line, we cranked up the encouragement, telling the runners around us to push ahead and finish strong.
We crossed the line in 59:39—a triumphant moment! Helping others achieve their sub-60 goal was far more rewarding than any personal PB.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives: A Plastic-Free Race
One standout feature of the ASICS London 10K was its commitment to being plastic-free. Water was provided in fully recyclable paper cups, and plastic kit bags were replaced with long-lasting cotton tote bags. Even the race t-shirts were made from recycled PET bottles! While drinking from a cup while running can be tricky, the eco-friendly approach is much better for the environment. It was great to see sustainability being prioritized at such a large event.
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 here for first access to early bird entries.
*my entry was kindly gifted by ASICS and Virgin Sport
