Maidstone Half-Marathon - Events

Hewmatt

26/07/2006 at 11:31

I've got the bug for 1/2 marathons now. I've done the Dartford, entered the Kent coastal 1/2 and now this one. What's it like?

Just in it to finish!

27/07/2006 at 20:55

Not being a pack leader myself (did Dartford in 2hr), I think this one is harder than Dartford. A long steady climb along a main road for first half, then lots of undulating across country to finish. Hated it the first year, loved it the next.

Sir Cowarde de Custarde

04/08/2006 at 21:31

It won't be as hot as Dartford - I think the key word is "scenic", with good views over the town of Maidstone from the Pilgrim's Way.

Sir Cowarde de Custarde

20/08/2006 at 22:10

Boing.

Chestfield Bill

25/09/2006 at 13:47

Like Hew Matt I have only just done two, Canterbury in May and Thanet earlier this month. How does Maidstone compare to Canterbury? Is the worst bit at the beginning? At Canterbury the steepest hill is only 3 miles from home.

Sir Cowarde de Custarde

25/09/2006 at 19:31

You certainly like your hills, CB! Maidstone is not flat, but there's nothing to rival the climb at 10 miles in Canterbury.

Chestfield Bill

26/09/2006 at 13:12

Not at all! On the website the course was described as "undulating". Being a 50+ novice runner that hill came as a real shock. Thanks for your advice, I think I will go for this one now and probably the Margate 10 mile in December.

Sir Cowarde de Custarde

26/09/2006 at 19:21

I'll look forward to seeing you there - I shall be marshalling somewhere, so remember to say "hello" as you charge past!

SeaLark

27/09/2006 at 09:22

It's not quite the monster that it's sometimes made out to be. Trust me, I scored a MV40 PB there last year that wasn't far outside my lifetime PB.
"THE" hill comes around about the midway point and, if you've still got something left, you can attack the course over the last 4/5 miles.

David Cox 7

27/09/2006 at 17:23

What's the route?

Sir Cowarde de Custarde

01/10/2006 at 20:41

It starts in the Grove Green area of Maidstone, does a loop round the estate and then follows the A20 towards the M20, climbs slightly towards the foot of Hollingbourne Hill, turns left towards Thurnham, left towards Bearstead and back towards the Grove Green area. The finish is about 500 yards beyond the start.

Just one slight downside - the Black Lion at Thurnham only opens after the race has finished (or so my friend who thought he'd got a plum marshalling position last year, informs me).

simon edwards 6

03/10/2006 at 21:25

not running this year due to creaking bones , but like ajax i had a really pleasing time on it last year and im envious of those that are doing it.nice run , good scenery and if you can give yourself of twenty years ago a good performance its got to be good. hope the eleventh mile is shorter this yeargood luck have fun

Chestfield Bill

04/10/2006 at 16:41

Well, I've gone and done it and entered. This online business is far too easy! No second chance once the button is pushed.

Born Again Athlete

07/10/2006 at 07:42

I think I will give this one a miss after my disappointing 1/2 debut at the GNR...knowing the area very well (used to do my training around the Pilgrim Way) I know this course will only be another disappointing time for me!! I hope you all have a good run...and maybe I will see you next year when I am stronger and fitter...with 12 months training behind me not 6 weeks

OLD VIRGIN

10/10/2006 at 05:16

Hi
Did this lasy year in 1;53;21 - it was my first ever race... I found it hilly and hard, that last mile felt like 1.5 miles but it was a great day except for impatient drivers. Not doing it this year as I have moved to Qatar. Running in the desert with humidity and high temps is very different to winters in SE England. Good Luck

Rob Bright

11/10/2006 at 17:38

Could those who have entered the Kent Championships please register in the Race HQ before the start - ie at least 20 minutes before the start to give you time to walk to the line. You need to collect from me a championship marker to pin on your rear which gives away your age ....... and sex ! You can't qualify for a Kent Championship medal if you enter on the day - you must be pre-entered. This is also the final race of the 2006 Kent Grand Prix.

Fit2drop

15/10/2006 at 17:42

This is my first attempt at the Maidstone 1/2. Having reveiewed the commments not sure what to expect but am determined to enjoy it whatever! However, with only a week to go, am I the only one without a race number/instructions etc. or am I just paranoid...?

15/10/2006 at 22:08

I'm in the same boat. It seems that you can enter on the day so I'm just going to turn up 20 minutes before the start and get a number. At least I hope that's how it works!

Dungey2002

16/10/2006 at 19:53

I got mine a couple of days after entering through RW

bob foster 2

16/10/2006 at 20:24

If you have not recieved you number yet please let me know by email at maidstone.half@ntlworld.com as i have been sending them out as soon as i have recieved them.
Bob Foster
Maidstone Harriers