Grand Union Canal Half Marathon - Events

Doggedly Determined

10/09/2007 at 09:42

this sounds like a great event and means i can run and watch Sarries play in the afternoon!! I love running along the canal but wonder how much chaos we will cause with a large group of runners at the same time ? and as for the fishing ......

Matt Williams 10

10/09/2007 at 17:15

I train along this canal - it is lovely, but 250 people on the thin tow path avoiding the anglers will be interesting. Hope it works out.

Ron Faster

12/09/2007 at 10:41

Hey, the Purple People are putting on another race! I would not worry about the towpath bit too much - the last race these guys put on was along the Thames towpath and it all worked out absolutely fine (and there were floods to deal with there as well). Have just entered and am looking at it for a PB!

snowchick

12/09/2007 at 11:28

Hello - I've just noticed this as I'm looking for a first half marathon to do round about november/december...I've only done 10k's so far but I like the sound of 'flat'!! Does this sound a good first half marathon or will I just be miles behind - only 250 allowed apparently and past experience tells me small fields usually mean I'm way at the back!!
Cheers.

Matt Williams 10

12/09/2007 at 11:34

It is a really nice route (weather permitting!). Path can be uneven but go for it. I probably shall.

newby07

12/09/2007 at 15:20

This will be my second half marathon. First one was over 2 years ago, which was very hilly

. Also like the fact that this one will be flat, although I will also be running at the back. Im now motivated to start training after entering.

snowchick

12/09/2007 at 15:32

I think i will enter then - and I'll be there at the back with you!

Claire Mac

13/09/2007 at 11:16

Hi, Race Director here!

I won't get involved in the general forum thread, but want you to know that I am here if you need info or anything. If you want to direct a question to me, please do so and I will answer asap. Of course, you can also email me if you prefer.

Hope to see you at the race.......

Claire

straitjacket

18/09/2007 at 20:59

Hi Claire, what time does the coach leave Cassiobury Park? Do you take all lit back to the start?

Claire Mac

19/09/2007 at 22:07

Hello - the coach will probably leave Cassiobury at 9am. We haven't yet finalised how long the journey will take, but you will be advised when you should be there in your race pack. You can leave kit at the finish before you board the coach to the start and/or you can leave kit at the start - we will take any baggage left at the start back to Cassiobury Park (the finish!). Clear as mud but hope you understand!

Claire

Doggedly Determined

20/09/2007 at 15:03

and will there be toilets at the start Claire ??

tony Devanny

20/09/2007 at 21:22

Am i being naive here??

Point to point or straight run Half marathon...Point to point sounds map and compassy??

Sounds a good event though

Claire Mac

21/09/2007 at 09:44

Hi, yes there are toilets at the start and the finish.

Tony, it is a straightforward half marathon - the point to point meaning it isn't a loop course, i.e. start and finish at different points. However, map and compass sounds like a good idea ...... maybe next year!!

Karl

21/09/2007 at 10:10

I am in, and talked a couple of other Benfleeters into doing this one.

We were part of the support crew for one of our guys doing the GUCR 145 miler this year, and the route along the canal is very scenic (even in the rain !) but a little narrow in places...

24/09/2007 at 15:05

I just registered for this one, it looks good and I am looking forward to it. I guess there are no toilets / showers from the info I saw on the site - please post if I am wrong thinking this... hope I dont stink the tube out

afterwards.

Rachael Reynolds

27/09/2007 at 15:14

Anyone know if the start is reasonably accessible on foot or bus?

Thanks

Rachael

Muttley

05/10/2007 at 03:51

I did the Down Tow Up Flow (or Up Tow Down Flow, whatever) and thoroughly enjoyed it. This one looks interesting, but I'm wondering how public transport friendly it is. This from the entry form:

"You can either park at the finish in Cassiobury Park and take the coach provided to the start (£5) or park at Cowley and make your own way back to your car afterwards."

Assuming I can get to the start venue in time by train from Reading, how will I get back after running the race?

Rachael Reynolds

05/10/2007 at 08:54

I've worked out that Watford tube is very close to Cassiobury Park if that helps.

http://www.multimap.com/maps/?&hloc=GB|WD187HY

Claire Mac

05/10/2007 at 11:06

Hi All,

I have some info for you.....

Cowley:The nearest tube station to Cowley is Uxbridge, which is approx 1.2 miles away (nice warm-up J!). The nearest railway station to Cowley is West Drayton, which is 1.5miles away – there are probably buses I would think, along Cowley High Street

Watford:Nearest tube is right next to Cassiobury Park (Watford). Nearest rail is Watford West, which is 0.6 miles away

The bus timetable from Watford to Uxbridge is here: http://www.londonbusroutes.net/times/724.htm#Sun_

It all adds to the fun !

Hope this helps, but if you need more please shout!

Claire

Muttley

05/10/2007 at 13:46

Thanks Claire. Looking at the tube and bus timetables and maps, I can see that I won't be able to make this one. Too many variables.

Oh well.