Luton Marathon

It's a local run for me, so I'm going to have a crack at it this year.  All I know is that it's a three-lap course.

I know this post doesn't help you, but it's the only way I can see to subscribe to this thread .

The race wasn't cancelled because of the weather as such.  There was an overturned car on the course, so it was called off for safety reasons.  Arguably, the car was overturned due to the weather, but more likely due to moronic driving in adverse conditions.

I know some people who were entered, and they ran the course in any case because it was marked out and ready.  They only ran one lap though.

oh, this is one of my faves

3 laps summed up in a single word - GRIM (however, will probably do it again this year as I only live 20 minutes away and there aren't many other December marathons!).

Its december and Its Luton - so not an ideal combination. Course is mildly playful in that the slopes on the first loop turn into hills on the second and by the third they are mountains. Organisation is pretty good with plenty of water etc and generally well signposted and marshalled. Support is limited most of the way around - although as loops you do get to see your supporters (if they can brave the Luton winter weather) three times. Bits of course are quite nice but other bits are as dull as dishwater and parts run down A5 (I think) 

Main thing I didnt like was there was a short but un-sign posted walk from the finish back to the race HQ.

Good solid race

Total climb of just over 400 meters over the 26.2 miles according to my garmin.

Main "hill" is 50 meters up over about 2-2.5 miles repeat three times and a few other ups and downs.

we've done this 7 times, course best of 4:37, and course worst of 5:15

It's 3 laps - it's a good event, i'm always happy and impressed by it

bootsie

well see, this is where the power of physcology and control of the mind comes into play

i could go on,....

good luck with what ever

Mick

Good summary from Keith.  I did the relay last year and found it to be a well organised event, but I'm not sure I'd be too fussed about doing the whole 3 laps.  Apart from the ups and downs (not huge but I can imagine they'd start getting bigger on the 3rd lap) there are some exposed sections and it was a tad breezy last year.

A good one to do if you're averse to running marathons in the heat, I guess!

Phil

NOT  that i know you or have met you

but with your marathon times i've read about you do suprise me

but of course 3 laps isn't everyones thing

TBH, for us, there's an event called Boddington Ultra, it's normally 50k- it's just off M5 J12 ??, it's coming up trhis weeekend i think

anyway, my point is -

it's 2.2 ??mile laps , virtually flat , beautiful rural etc, you'd think it's easy pb stuff

but you know, most we've done is 18, done a HM on it, just cannot get my head around it, it seems to have a jinx on me

and i've pushed Phil around 3 track marathons of 107 laps each

Hi Mick - we may not have said hello but last year's Luton marathon was the first time I've seen you and Phil in the flesh!  I was on 2nd leg for the relay, so I was watching the start of the race, going up the first hill, and gave you a cheer. 

I'm sure I'd get round the 3 laps OK, but I think I'm a bit all-or-nothing when it comes to marathon courses.  Either something fast and flat so I can go for a PB, or something with loads of silly hills in like Beachy Head, for the challenge.  Luton's a bit in-betweeny for me.