Where I'd rather be

Simon Turton, London marathon steward
  • The Guardian,
Simon Turton
Simon Turton, London marathon steward

What are you working on right now?

As a senior steward at the London marathon, I'll be overseeing about 130 volunteers whose job it is to get spectators across the route without impeding the runners at the last mile of the race. With around 35,000 runners crossing the finish, and people crowding to see them, it can get quite hectic. This is my third year doing the job and having also run the race several times I can vouch for London being the best venue for the race. The route is varied and scenic and takes in a lot of history. And there's a huge amount of good will on the day.

Where would you rather be?

Queenstown on New Zealand's South Island.

What's so special about it?

Some of the most other-worldly landscapes I've ever seen, and a tiny population, heighten the sense of escape. It's also a good base for taking trips out to places like the Fox Glacier, Milford Sound and Wanaka.

What would you do there?

People tend to know Queenstown for its winter sports facilities but it has access to some brilliant water sports too. I'd recommend jet boating on the Shotover river, bungee jumping - because this is where the sport was invented - taking a paddle steamer over lake Wakatipu and riding the creaky funicular up to the go-cart park on the hill.

Where would you stay?

The lakeside YHA for its buzz and camaraderie (yha.co.nz).

Who would you take with you?

My two little girls.

What's the one place you'd like to see before you die?

The North Pole because it's a defined final destination - rather like running a race. Somehow, I doubt I'll ever make it but it's important to have a dream.


Today's best video

Today in pictures

Readers’ tips
