Marathon meditations

Anthony Barnett (London, OK): Two weeks ago I'd have known nothing about marathons except for the sense of thrill, pride and dread they can instill in the parents of those who have not yet completed one but have decided to do so. Now, after cheering on 47147 at the Paris Marathon I have experienced the whole new world. It is a very interesting and intensely enjoyable collective experience. The vast numbers running the race create a field of force which in part carries them along, encouraged by supporters, bands, supply stations. The individuals are all there, starkly so, pitting themselves to make the effort and gaining meaning from it, of all ages, shapes and running styles (to put it mildly). It is very moving to watch because they are all of the irregularities of regular folk, not professionals. But even if much of their training may be lonely, a marathon itself is the opposite. It is not at all like walking down a crowded street or surging with a commuter crowd all going in the same direction out of a train station. It may look like that but there is a joint purpose. Except at the front it is not much about racing against each other, but about finishing.  Completing the run is cause for celebration. Before last week I was snotty about the commercialised event. Now, I feel quite differently about my city being taken over for the day. I would even go to watch and cheer, only I have to go to America for a week.