Marathon of Britain 2005...
175 miles, six days... you know you want to
If you'd like a running achievement you'll never forget - or you'd just like to use your running to explore more of the country you live in - you might just be on the right page.
Starting in the Malvern Hills and ending at Nottingham Castle, September's six-day, 175-mile Marathon of Britain is an off-road tour of hidden parts of England that most of us have only ever sped through on the motorway. It's organised by one of the friendliest, most charismatic people on the planet, and it's already a miniature classic.
Don't think we're being swayed because we're hosting online entry for the 2005 race (you can enter by post too). We're just terrifically excited that a race like this - traditionally the preserve of foreign countries - has now established itself on our doorstep.
Here's how it works: you navigate your way from one day's race village to the next, using a specially prepared map and instructions. Competitors often end up in informal pairs or teams, and this year there's an official team prize. The race provides and transports tents, breakfast and an evening meal, but you have to run with your week's food and the rest of your kit.
A few more things you might like to know: Past competitors traditionally help newbies prepare - they'll be checking the RW forums, for instance.
There's a two-day practise race in March. The main race consists of consecutive days of 17 miles, 29 miles, 32 miles, 33 miles, 54 (yes, 54) miles, 10 miles
Checkpoints and water stations roughly every six miles. It costs
£749 (£786.50 by credit card) including six days of meals, tented accommodation and a hotel at the end.
As RW columnist Andy Blackford said in 2003: "The MOB does what all great races do. It binds a band of people together in a huge, pointless, epic enterprise that each of them will always count among the defining experiences of their lives."
Discuss this article
To anybody thinking of entering MOB2005,I would say go ahead and do the challenge of a lifetime,having completed the first MOB in 2003 I can honestly say this was the most brilliant event I have ever done,the friends I made,the emotions,fun, laughter and tears all make this a fantastic event.I didn,t run alongside Andy Blackford or any of the other top distance runners, but they all made me feel just as an important part of this unique event as anybody else.This year I went as part of the crew, and hey Heidi, remember me,I was the fella who leant you my warm fleece that night when you came in after 30 odd miles,cold,wet and bedraggled.I just felt for you so much,knowing what you were going through.Yes,go for it,You,ll be glad you did,and hope to see you there in 2005.
Posted: 23/12/2004 at 22:56
Hi asghar1983,I only heard about this event,6 weeks before,and only having done 4 marathons previously,(only took up running Oct2000,) and after a couple of drinks one night,my fellow,so called club mates persuaded me to give it a go,so as well as our normal club runs,i did about 15 miles each Weds night complete with rucksack.By the time arrived,I was still under prepared but what the heck,went along,met so many strange faces,all made me welcome,and i took each day as they came,completed the course and enjoyed it all. Icame home a week later and was the envy of the club,very proud of what I,d achieved and a nice big medal!Seriously considering again 2005.
Posted: 27/12/2004 at 22:05
pybdo you have a link for yours? actually there are quite a few around once you start looking !
Posted: 04/01/2005 at 22:24
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