Live from Lane 3 (beering and cheering)!

As soon as I heard that Good Gym were getting involved with Night of the 10,000m PBs, I immediately signed up for marshalling. This is my first year, but I have heard from previous spectators that it is one of the best events in the UK athletics calendar. Set up by Ben Pochee of Highgate Harriers, Night of the 10,000m PBs offers a showcase of some of the most talented track athletes (fresh participants currently studying at University have the opportunity to brush shoulders with Jo Pavey, Sonia Samuels and Andy Vernon) for a day of non-profit grassroots running.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the event is the fact that it is absolutely free, and that athletics fans are actively encouraged to invite non track minded folks to come and enjoy the party! The inclusion of the "Lane 3 Beer & Cheer" sound system and a fully stocked bar provided by Fullers London Pride definitely helped to maintain a festival atmosphere all the way through the night. Special guest talks from Sebastian Coe, Paula Radcliffe and Ronnie O'Sullivan also helped to draw in the crowds from 6pm onwards.

Volunteering at Night of the 10,000m PBs was amazing fun! Marshalling duties mostly involved moving a temporary track barrier from "position A" to "position B" at the appropriate times (allowing spectators to be close to the action as possible), general crowd control and enthusiastic cheering throughout the event. It was a wonderful, and utterly inspiring experience, and I can't wait to do it again in 2018!