Cheltenham Circular Challenge - Page 2 - Events

Suziewee

26/06/2012 at 08:55

Thanks Gavin, well done to you too. Your time is brilliant especially in those conditions and the detours you took. Is your ankle okay now? I can just about get down the stairs now without wincing!

Gavin Bl

26/06/2012 at 10:22

Thanks, ankle purple and swollen (but not painful), surprisingly I feel 'ok' otherwise.

Clive O'Gorman

26/06/2012 at 21:10

Thank you all for your comments. We believe it was a successful day for both Entrants and Organisers

Well done to all the entrants

Gavin Bl

26/06/2012 at 21:17

Hi Clive

Yes it was great fun, if tough in places, but hey - it was a marathon!

Many thanks to all the good folks who gave up their time to organise and help out on the day

Vicky French 2

16/02/2013 at 21:23

Hi,thinking of doing this as my first marathon. I have run a couple of half's. Is this really doable as a first full marathon and is it easy to navigate. I am a local (ish) girl so no the area pretty well. Thanks

Suziewee

17/02/2013 at 13:43

Hi Vicky, the route is well marked so navigation shouldn't be a problem. It would be good as a first one because it is so laid back and lots of people walk it. Also as it is in stages you can be rescued and returned back to the racecourse if needs be. It's reassuring but also helps you along as you think, oh I'll just get to the next checkpoint...

The downside is that it is off road so if it is wet it is very hard. The first half is very hilly and the second very flat. If you want a low key first marathon, with amazing views, good support and you don't really mind about the time, go for it! I am very tempted to do it again as it was an amazing experience.

Gavin Bl

18/02/2013 at 10:52

It was my first marathon , so its definitely doable - assuming you do at least some off road running though. First.half is hilly but very scenic, second half was a grind through muddy fields for me, very churned up and loads.of gates and stiles. However, I think that in someways this made it less punishing over all

It is informal and friendly, and generally well signposted. You can get lost though...I did! There's a map, but it is extremely detailed, and not really usable for runners. Also the terrain means it won't be fast.and the majority of people are walkers. If you don't start too early, they make useful signposts at least to halfway!

If you are building up to a marathon, have some off road experience,want a friendly less competitive environment, I'd say go for it....I recommend tea and Victoria sponge from the WI at the end.

Vicky French 2

18/02/2013 at 11:51

Thanks for the responses, I have done a reasonable amount of off road running and want something fairly informal where I won't feel to guilty if I walk for a bit. Not a great fan of hills but don't mind run walking them. Can you start at anytime or do you have to be there for 7am? Bit scared to enter as the longest distance I have done is a HM but I suppose the checkpoints are there if it got to much. Hopefully this year the weather might be better and therefore no so muddy. Vicky

Gavin Bl

18/02/2013 at 14:21

Hi Vicky
I started at about 9;15 - there's no set mass start time, though I think there is a limit to how late you start. Like I say, walkers need to start earlier, and provide a free guide along the first half of the trail. Obv, a little courtesy is required in passing groups of walkers.

There are a few points where you have to walk, and a number where it is sensible to walk to save wearing yourself out on a hill, so.don't worry about that.

I built up to 20-21 miles with a large hill early on for my last.couple of long training runs. On the day the lactic acid did bite at that stage, but you'll hang on!
If you van do a HM now, u should be.fine.to.build up.to it.
Gav

Vicky French 2

18/02/2013 at 19:03

Thanks Gav, think I might take the plunge and enter.

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