By Bill McDermott

Weather can be unpredictable in the UK - and so can estimating runners. In just three quick years, World Run Day has blossomed from a 200 runner event to over 1200! From the bottom of my half-British heart, I can only say (and with a rusty British accent)  .. "that's bloody amazing!"

Planning was brilliantly executed by Rob Daly (Rainforest Foundation) and Tim Mitchell-Smith of the Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC. While members of Rainforest - UK had put their heart and soul into the event, a case of over-popularity occurred. After planning for 1000 runners earlier in the year, they were forced to close registration at 1200 one full month before run day. In retrospect, a healthy pre-registration estimate of 1000 turned out to be quite conservative. Hey, who knew....

In a city such as London, it's great to be part of history. World Run Day - London was the largest running event ever held in Victoria Park. Tim has visions of extending the course outside the park and onto the roads for next year. It will, indeed, be quite an event for 2004.

In addition to the good planning and great conditions, there were some excellent runners on the scene. The men's winner finished the course in 34 min. 26 sec. -- averaging 5:33 per mile!

I was provided the opportunity to talk about World Run Day with a microphone amidst 1200 runners. I complimented Rainforest - UK, the concept of donating to charity on this day, and even plugged my own English heritage. My mother's maiden name was Heckingbottom - which has its roots in England. Little did anyone know, I'm actually part English. So, in my very own rock-star-been-away-for-awhile voice I announced "It's great to be back in London!" Cheers from 1200 made my day, hey ... my year!

Furthermore, knowing that my grandfather had indirectly half-funded World Run Day advertisements in magazines, it certainly was appropriate to be back in England.

My favorite scene of the day was watching a woman break 1 hour in the 10K. The announcer had motivated a group of runners that were quickly approaching the finish line. They were only twenty yards away from breaking 60 minutes. A loud roar from the finish line crowd cheered the group on. A handful had broken the 60 minute barrier  - with their smiles lighting up the misty finish line.

Running. It's fitness, camaraderie, challenge, charity, and lots of great post-race conversation. In this case, it included a one-day charity event that had started in New Zealand, spread to Sydney, and was now in Europe. It was my pleasure to be there.

I was now off to New York to catch it there as well ...