The first thing I saw on my arrival was all these marshals being briefed for their roles . . I wonder if there's a collective noun for marshals?

Probably the first place that most of the runners went to was these tables here, to collect their timing chip . . which then had to be attached to a shoe . .

it's always good to know that there's a drink around the next bend . . and this poor chap was slaving away on his own for much of the pre-race period . . but he did get some help eventually . .

indoors there were some race numbers to be collected . . and as always, other runners to talk to . .

and I think this is the first time I've seen a row of loos with no queue . . although it didn't take long for one to develop . .

there was stretching to do . .

and more warming up . . and more talking . .

but the start area was filling up as the final touches were made to the race timing software . .

and we were almost ready to start . .