Running the 2021 London Marathon. Is the VMLM still the VMLM with Covid-19? RACE VLOG

The London Marathon was last held in April 2019 so everyone running had entered the race they turned up for (on the 3rd October 2021) over 2 years ago! The covid restrictions had killed some of the build up for me leading up to London 2021: Each runner should bring no more than 1 spectator, Large crowds will be moved on, There will be no bag drop at the start of the race, Participants must be able to provide a negative covid test on the start line... etc etc So I wasn't feeling the same level of excitement that I usually do when I run the London Marathon... especially after queuing for so long to get our numbers and drop off our kit bags at the Expo on Saturday! I first ran the London Marathon in 2011 and wanted sub 4:30, but it was my first marathon and a hot day so I was happy with 4:38:01, despite missing my target time. My next two attempts were slower due to pregnancy and injury so this was the year I was hoping to put to bed my unfinished business with the London Marathon and finally run that sub 4:30 that I'd first tried for a decade beforehand! I was interested in how the London Marathon would feel with covid restrictions... Would it still feel like the London Marathon? Would there be crowds? Would there be music? Would there be support? Have a watch and find out! Happy running, Nicola :)