The A20 Path 'n Downs Marathon and Half Marathon

Completed my first marathon and loved it. I paired up with Malcombe who was 71 who kept me going. Couldn't fault the event which was very well organised. Can't wait until my next one.

Well the course was a lot tougher than I expected and I had to walk quite a few times (which was upsetting as I ran non-stop in my first marathon) but I completed the course in 4h12m - 8 mins faster than my previous personal best - which I'm very happy with!!

One complaint - and it's nothing to do with the organisers but about the world in general - is that running alongside such a busy road meant a nasty taste of pollution throughout the A20 sections and especially in the second half of the route (probably due to heavier traffic as the day went on).  I know it can't be helped due to the route but it has highlighted just how nice some of the countryside runs I've taken part in actually are!

Lovely views at the top and was thoroughly enjoyable running up the hills to see them. Great friendly marshals with excellent feed stations. This was my 12th marathon this year and although the others have been X country I still smashed my PB by 15 minutes and came home in 3hrs 41mins .. I know its not essential but always like to get a t shirt (not saying they should be free) especially with a good course, its free advertising ) .. back to the hotel for a swim, jacuzzi, steam room and hot showers, perfect end to a pretty perfect marathon - Many Thanks

The results are online - http://www.iekchiptiming.com/results/A20+Marathon-r119.html - but most people's gun times are about 4 minutes out from the chip time?  I'm not complaining as in my eyes the chip time is more accurate (4:12:34 - woohoo!) but I wonder why there is a difference??

Also the winner's (chip) time was 3:00:17  - an amazing time but you've gotta feel for the guy being 18 seconds out of a sub-3 hour finish!

It was a great event! I wasn't sure what to expect with no profile map on the website (could this be useful?) and so decided that once my pace up any of the hills got outside 11 min miles I would allow myself a short walk. That seemed to work and got me around in a good time (for me).

If people are browsing this next year, before deciding to sign up (as I did a few weeks ago) then be aware that this tactic may be worth a try. The hills are a lot shorter than those for instance at Snowdon, so you can do shorter walk breaks without eating drastically into your time.

The aid stations, marshalls and overall organisation were great. Well done to all involved!

Does anyone know if there are any photo's up anywhere?? I cant find any but I did see someone snapping away at points. I have emailed the organisers but not heard anything back as yet 

thanks for the feedback , the e-mails we have had are saying much the same , we really put effort into looking after everyone as we appreciate the effort you have to put in to complete a marathon - if one more person finishes comfortably because they had hi-carb food to eat on the way round then its job done !  We couldnt get any official photographers to come but if any of those who were there does get in touch i will let everyone know .

Sonic the sprinter wrote (see)

The results are online - http://www.iekchiptiming.com/results/A20+Marathon-r119.html - but most people's gun times are about 4 minutes out from the chip time?  I'm not complaining as in my eyes the chip time is more accurate (4:12:34 - woohoo!) but I wonder why there is a difference??

Also the winner's (chip) time was 3:00:17  - an amazing time but you've gotta feel for the guy being 18 seconds out of a sub-3 hour finish!

Awesome time yes and he is a top bloke and has many sub 3's under his belt. He also puts on his own marathons under name of Hermes Running - Thames Meander in August and Bewl Water in May....both great events and a run organised by people who know what runners want and need. Would deffo say have a look at either of them for a great run. 

Ah I know of those races - I was signed up for the Bewl 15 this year but had to pull out due to injury so will be there next year instead

I was guted because I'd heard such good feedback about the race and it fitted perfectly into my marathon training at the time!

I'm going to run the Bewl Marathon next, I'm hooked now 

A Runner I'm so pleased you enjoyed your first marathon

Nice one A Runner, the first one is tghe best in so many ways!

Sonic the sprinter wrote (see)

Ah I know of those races - I was signed up for the Bewl 15 this year but had to pull out due to injury so will be there next year instead

I was guted because I'd heard such good feedback about the race and it fitted perfectly into my marathon training at the time!

Sonic - Bewl 15 is a different event - this is Bewl Water marathon just to avoid confusion.

Sonic the sprinter wrote (see)

The results are online - http://www.iekchiptiming.com/results/A20+Marathon-r119.html - but most people's gun times are about 4 minutes out from the chip time?  I'm not complaining as in my eyes the chip time is more accurate (4:12:34 - woohoo!) but I wonder why there is a difference??

Also the winner's (chip) time was 3:00:17  - an amazing time but you've gotta feel for the guy being 18 seconds out of a sub-3 hour finish!

Sonic - just realised - you were JUST ahead of me...my time 4.12.52. 

Were you the guy in the green top I was chatting to in the final few miles?  If so then you seriously helped me with my pacing during the final stretch.  If not, then you did an excellent time too!  I'm definitely confident for a sub 4-hour on my next flat race (Brighton, Edinburgh or Greater Manchester) judging by those hills!

No, I am a Lady !!   I was wearing a beanie hat with a poppy in it and had hair in plaits....as you do !!  

It was my 38th marathon and 15th this year so pleased with my time and enjoyed myself which is the main thing on runs like that. I have a number of sub 4's under my belt and the first one was such a thrill.....if you don't get one before, you will deffo get one at Brighton so good luck. I've done all the Brightons and love them. 

Ah sorry - so hard to tell if someone's a guy or a girlie on forums!!

38 marathons - WOW!! I've only run 3 so far but noticed quite a few of the 100 marathon club were at this race and that's definitely an achievement I'm aiming for   Only 97 to go...  I can't wait to run Brighton and am looking forward to a nice weekend in the area around it too - just fingers crossed it isn't a windy day...