'The London Marathon', April 26

The London Marathon is one of the world’s most famous long-distance races, bringing together elite athletes, wheelchair racers, fun runners, and thousands of charity fundraisers. First held in 1981, it winds its way past some of London’s most iconic landmarks including Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, Big Ben, and finishes near Buckingham Palace. It is a wonderful celebration of determination, community spirit, and fundraising, with runners taking part for personal achievement, in memory of loved ones, or to support important causes. The event always creates a fantastic atmosphere, with crowds cheering, music playing, and an inspiring sense of achievement as thousands cross the finish line.

Running is one of the simplest and most accessible forms of exercise, and it offers many benefits for both body and mind. Whether it is a gentle jog, a brisk walk-run, or training for something special like the London Marathon, regular running can improve heart health, strengthen muscles and bones, boost energy levels, and help maintain a healthy weight. It also supports emotional wellbeing by reducing stress, improving sleep, and lifting mood through the release of feel-good endorphins. Running can be enjoyed alone or with others, making it a great activity for social connection as well as physical health.

🧠 CST Questions:

• Does anyone run, or has anyone run for pleasure or sport?

• Who enjoys watching the London Marathon?

• What about Olympic running sports?

The London Marathon is one of the world’s most famous road races, taking runners past some of the capital’s best-known landmarks on the journey from Greenwich to the finish line at The Mall near Buckingham Palace. Along the way, competitors pass many historic landmarks and sights. This panel is a chance to recognise these landmarks, share memories of visiting them, and celebrate the excitement and spirit of marathon day in London.

Name these World Famous Runners

Here are some clues:

Clue. 1936 Berlin Olympic Games.

Clue. 4 minute mile 1954.

Clue. 1980 Moscow Olympic Games (one won 800m gold, the other 1500m).

Clue. 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Who tripped who?

Clue. 1992 Olympic gold 100 metres. Famous for his "lunch box"?

Clue. 1994 Welsh record-breaking hurdler?

Clue. 2004 Athens Olympic Games (won gold in 800m and 1500m)

Clue. 2004 Athens Paralympic Games. What was his nickname? (He killed his girlfriend on Valentine's Day 2013)

Clue. 2009 Fastest man in the world record?

Clue. 2012 London Olympic Games (Heptathlon champion)

Clue. 2012 London Paralympic Games (100m gold)

Clue. Most successful long-distance Olympic runner. What was his gesture called?

Clue. Three times winner of the London Marathon (2002, 2003 & 2005)?

Answers

Jesse Owens, Roger Bannister, Steve Ovett & Seb Coe, Zola Budd & Mary Decker, Linford Christie, Colin Jackson, Kelly Holmes, Oscar Pistorious ("Bladerunner"), Usain Bolt, Jessica Ennis-Hill, Johnny Peacock, Paula Radcliffe, Mo Farah ("Mobot")

Name These Fictional Runners

Here are some clues:

Clue. Lee Majors

Clue. Vangelis wrote the music

Clue. Gotham City

Clue. A painful visit to the dentist

Clue. 'Eye Of The Tiger'

Clue. "Meep Meep"

Clue. Harrison Ford

Clue. "Momma always said "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.""

Answers

'Six Million Dollar Man' Steve Austin (Lee Majors), 'Chariots Of Fire' Eric Liddell, Batman & Robin, 'Running Man' (Dustin Hoffman), Rocky Balbao (Sylvester Stallone), Road Runner & Wile E Coyote, 'Raiders Of The Lost Ark' Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), 'Forrest Gump' (Tom Hanks)

Extra Running Songs