RUNNERS of the London Marathon who chose Greenwich as their training camp could not have hoped for a better preparation. A giant pasta party was held at the Greenwich Tourist Information Centre on the eve of the race and provided the much-needed energy for the participants. More than 70 runners and their families attended the event and were able to enjoy the best pasta in town while socialising with fellow athletes.

One runner, Steve Abbey, from Scunthorpe, who was to complete his 15th marathon, said: "This was an excellent opportunity for runners coming to Greenwich to relax, experience a bit of Greenwich and meet other runners before the race and share in the excitement."

The Fun Flora Festival Pasta Party, sponsored by The Mitre Inn, Greenwich, was aimed at marathon runners who were staying at local bed and breakfast lodgings. It was part of a week of activities created to entertain spectators and runners of the marathon.

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