Stratford (Shakespeare) Marathon - Events

The Doctor

04/12/2003 at 13:15

So, didn't get into London then. It'll probably p*ss down anyway, he said not feeling in the least bitter!!

Anyone know what the Stratford Marathon is like. I've got a place and it's only a week after London but I've heard tell of some horrific hill you have to do twice??!!

Scotty.

04/12/2003 at 13:29

Hiya The Doctor,

It's a scenic and well organised 2 lapper. I ran Shakespeare last year as a FLM reject.
There are 2 notable hills which aren't that bad really until the 2nd lap when the one at 17 miles is a tad annoying, but it is short and there's a great (almost too steep)downhill on the other side.

The downside of this race is that the Half Marathoners peel off at 12 miles so the 2nd lap is very quiet. I found the contrast a bit soul destroying.

On both laps there is also a long straight section on a disused railway line route. While it's flat and enjoyable to run on, the 6km's of it seem never ending towards the end of the marathon.

Although I probably won't be doing this one again, I can thoroughly recommend it as a FLM substitute.

There's a load of piccies of forumites at last years event on www.richk.co.uk

ed_m (a.k.a. ultra bunny)

04/12/2003 at 13:40

i don't get the hype over london... quite happy to stay close to home & do stratford.

Scotty.

04/12/2003 at 13:47

448 finished the Shekespeare marathon last year.

My biggest event so far has had 4,000 finishers. Can't imagine being stuck in amongst 35,000. Gonna keep trying for FLM though.

The Doctor

04/12/2003 at 15:03

Thanks Scotty. That helps a lot. I'm really looking forward to it.

I know this will sound a bit hollow but the one down side about London is the vast number of other runners around you. My neighbour said he didn't see any clear road til at least 6 or 7 miles in, and I'm a lot happier with plenty of space around me.

and you're right Ed no overnighters either. I'll be travelling up on the morning!

Still ..... London eh????

04/12/2003 at 15:13

Scotty, which hill did you run up if it was only short??!!

I was one of the one lappers and was glad not to be doing the hill the second time. A good event though.

Broadsword Calling Danny Boy

04/12/2003 at 15:15

"The Doctor", there's plenty of ideas for other marathons here.

Muzza

04/12/2003 at 15:18

Doc,

Taunton marathon is April 6th a 2 lap course it isnt flat but it is fairly fast, I enjoyed it anyway.

Also the dutchy marathon in redruth has been moved to March 21st 04, if you need an entry form email me and I will send you a form.

There is a Devonvale marathon in newton Abbott on 13th june, last year it was the first time it was done, and it was good well organised event, this year there is a half and a 10k as well.

If I think of anymore i'll let you know.

I am lucky enough to have got in FLM through good for age, but i'll be at all the others hopfully. see you there?

The Doctor

04/12/2003 at 15:36

Quality Bryan. Stockholm on my birthday. Hmmmm ...... anyway back from the land of dreams. Lake Vyrnwy looks a good one too, but to be perfectly honest I'm torn as to whether to do another half ironman in Sherbourne or concentrate on running this summer??

I think I'll see how Stratford goes and see if I get the marathon bug. I've done a few halves but this'll be my first!! (Gulp!!!)