Serpie Exclusives, April 2025
Serpentine Running and Triathlon Club members’ newsletter, by Ron Wood
April 2025, Issue No. 4
We’re well into the spring marathon season now and this Sunday all eyes will be on the capital as some 60,000-plus runners – including 80 or so Serpies – take part in the TCS London Marathon.
If you’re one of those racing, here’s hoping your training is going well and the maranoia doesn’t get the better of you before the weekend.
And even if it hasn’t all been smooth sailing – and let’s face it, not many runners can get to the start of a marathon without a few niggles along the way – the many thousands of people lining the streets in support will doubtless carry you along.
If, like me, you’re not running (I missed the qualifying time by 50 or so seconds, which at least spared me a winter of marathon training), you can still be part of the event with your fellow clubmates.
Firstly, on Friday (April 25), two days before the big race, it’s the latest ‘Serpie Talks’ – and this one is a London Marathon special! (recording of the first Serpie Talks can be found here)
Roman Fosti, a Serpentine member who represented Estonia on the international stage for almost 20 years, will talk about his career as a runner, his experience in world-class races, what he’s doing with the running community in Tallinn and what running means to him.
And of course, he’ll be sharing a few marathon tips. His pb over the 26.2 miles is a rapid 2:10:46.
This is a free event and all members and non-members are welcome. Here are the details:
- Date: Friday April 25, 2025
- Time: Doors open at 18:30, event begins at 19:00 and finishes approx. 20:00
- Venue: St Mary’s Bryanston Square Primary School, Enford Street, London W1H 1DL (same place as our Wednesday Runs; closest tube: Marylebone)
There will also be some socialising afterwards in a local pub – destination to be announced at the end of the event proper.
As for marathon day itself, once you’re done racing – or cheering on the runners – it’s time for the pub again! All Serpies and friends are invited to come along for a few drinks, some food and plenty of celebrations in a pub in Mayfair:
- Date: Sunday April 27, 2025
- Time: From 13:30 until late afternoon
- Venue: The King’s Head, Mayfair (10 Stafford Street, London, W1S 4RX); closest tube: Green Park
The venue is about ten minutes’ walk from the Mall where the marathon will finish. See you there!
The first ‘Serpie Talks’
COMING UP
Click this link for the full list of club news and events. And this link for our weekly training diary. Also, don’t forget the Last Friday of the Month 5k running at Hyde Park (same day as the Serpie Talks).
On Thursday 1st May, the next Assembly League fixture will be held at Victoria Park. The 3.5 mile race will start at 19:30. Please arrive at the park about half an hour before to get your race number. All Serpie members are invited – race entry is free.
One other thing to mention, entries are now open for a few of the club’s championship races. Don’t let the grand title put you off: all members of the club can take part in these events and everything you need to know can be found here. See you on the start line!
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
This month we meet Frank Womelsdorf, one of those 80 or so Serpies who’ll be pounding the streets of London for a good 42k on Sunday.
When did you join the club and what made you choose Serpentine?
I’ve been a member since 2014. I was just getting into ultra running and read about the club in James Adams’ book and it sounded great fun.
Do you have a favourite Serpentine event or training session?
I’m slightly biased here because I’ve been one of the organisers for the last few years but there’s no better weekend than the Green Belt Relay. You get to spend two days with fellow Serpies running one big lap around London. What’s not to like about that?
I gather you’re doing the upcoming London marathon, have you raced it before?
This year will be my fourth time but it’s the first time since 2018. I was lucky enough to get one of our club places for 2023 but had to defer due to some health issues, so I can’t wait to get going this time around.
That’s great – good luck! Do you have any favourite memories from the race and/or any tips for people running it for the first time?
2016 was my dream race, I went into the race without a goal for a time and it just felt effortless going with the flow. I nearly got a PB. My best advice would be to not panic when everyone goes off like they’ve been shot out of a cannon going down into Woolwich, and instead just settle into your own race. And then let the energy of the crowds pull you along. Also, make sure you check out all the freebies you can get by showing your medal after the race. I’ve got my eyes on a Franco Manca pizza!
How has your training gone and what are your goals for this year’s race?
Training has been really good and no major niggles so I’m hoping to get as close to 3:10 as I can.
LAST MONTH’S EDITION…
… can be found here
GET IN TOUCH
Please get in touch with feedback on ronwood1919@gmail.com
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