I arrived just in time to see Tyregirl set off on her journey with a tyre . . not sure if the tyre wanted to spend all day being dragged around Richmond Park but I don't think it had much say in the matter . .

and then I had time to look around . . and see the marshals being briefed . .

and the biggest Red Cross ambulance I've ever seen . .

meanwhile, more and more runners were arriving and registering . . and the Park was filling up . .

there was plenty of liquid available . . and fortunately, the toilets were convenient . .

and more and more runners appeared . . with friends and family and supporters . . and our little corner of Richmond Park became quite a colourful spectacle . .

British Military Fitness were on hand to lead the pre-marathon warm-up (I'm told - sadly I was elsewhere by then) and they went on to lead some pace groups around the Marathon . . and the drink and feed station was being prepared . .

whilst the Children's Trust at Tadworth were helping out with the baggage storage . .

and of course the Race Directors were keeping busy and involved . . Gareth and Ray are seen here, but I never did get a photo their colleague Will . .

but whilst all this was going on . . and the race start time of 9.30 got ever closer . . and the start area became busier . .

just a few yards away, peace and tranquillity reigned . . and you would hardly have known that a marathon was about to start . .

and so, not wishing to disturb anyone, I tiptoed away . . off to Pen Ponds for my first sight of the runners on their first short loop around the Park, before they set off on three longer laps around the Park's perimeter . .