The Trionium Picnic Marathon

Too many steps to count, Trev, and too many rivers to cross.

Peace in the valley now, innit?

Well done all of you lovely mad runners.

I thought I was mad volunteering to marshal but you were so appreciative and such an inspiration. And it's great being able to put faces to names on here.

Sheer madness yesterday. Having done the Picnic in 2009, I can't think what on earth possessed me to sample more of Dr Rob's medicine for nutters.

Luckily the storm stopped just before the start and the showers were only intermittent, but as others have said it made the stepping stones an interesting challenge to be followed by clambering up 200+ steps with sodden feet.

Still, I managed to get around in 4:53 which was a couple of minutes quicker than the previous attempt, despite taking a tumble down the slope at the far turnaround point and ending up with an impressive gash on my shin, followed by on-and-off cramp after coming up the steps for the third time (i.e. with a mere 12 miles to go!)

Chaz, great to catch up afterward - I managed to get to Brighton in one piece today, although anyone complaining about the hills in that one clearly hasn’t tried the Picnic.

Huge thanks to Dr Rob and the team, especially the marshals for standing out in the rain shouting encouragement. Special mention to the two guys on the bit where you have to run down the grass bank and then come back up it – you were brilliant.

I have promised my wife I won’t do the Picnic again, but I said that two years ago as well.

Well done to all who took this on. I was glad to be huddling under the gazebo for a marshall's briefing when the rain hit. The finish looked fantastic (what little I saw of it) so I intend to give it a go next time. i still have no clue what most of the course entails but I now have 2 years to do a recce.. What's next inline?

Chaz -didn't recognise you in black but you looked to be coping well. and enjoying yourself  How did you do?

See you at Downland Ultra? I'm planning on walking / running from the station this time as I know the way.

Capricorn -good to see you, I knew you'd do well . What have you got lined up next?

Just to say well done to all. This was my first Marathon and one that I nor my legs will ever forget!

Marshalls, you were great. I don't know who I love more you or the jelly babies you were handing out but both sets of   faces got me round the course when i thought I was never going to make it.

 Will be back in 2 years time to take on the beast again. Hopefully with a few more boring, less undulating marathons in my legs. One day I dream of being able to do the London to Brighton the dy after such an event. Lorenzo you are my hero.

I managed to cut the grass and then collasped in a heap on my sofa.

Yeah Lorenzo - I thought of you epsecially as I span up Ditchling yesterday at 8:30am........cycling is just SO easy - half the time = cruising along EFFORTLESSLY. (Not for Lorenzo I fear though).

Well done to all - I thoroughly enjoyed my marshalling pitch in the trees a short way beyond 'GM' (who probably still has a sore throat from her screaming support!) after the Eiger steps...tho I had a few long lonely stretches waiting for you slackers to come back around again . You were all awesome.

Now I've bagged a 'free' Trionium event....wonder what I'll use it on......

yeah, but don't let on I said it to EVERYONE

Kipper- to be honest, it wasn't as bad yesterday as I thought it would be, although I'm aching a bit this morning. My legs held out going up Ditchling Beacon, though I was some way behind you.

Didn't really enjoy the first few miles, stopping at every other damn set of traffic lights, but I kept reminding myself that it was all in a good cause. Wonderful views from the top and then the descent into Brighton.

Might treat myself to a new bike as a reward for all the effort!

Thanks again to you and all the other marshals for braving the elements on Saturday - what was going through your head when the storm broke at 1.30?!

Kipper- Great marshalling, you truly did help on the way back for the final time, at least till I got to the bottom of the eiger steps.

I even gave you a mention to my friends at the finish, along the lines of, some madman was hiding in the trees calling me Usain Bolt, did you see him? or was I hallucinating?

Big thanks to all the marshalls, you were all magnificent, maybe see you again in 2 years

Great marshalling all round, what a race!!!! Hope the Hawaiian shirt brought some brightness when the clouds came round, absolutely stunning course and loved the stepping stones.

A big hello to all and see you at the Greensand.    

Loved the shirt Iain!  Made me smile

I had an awesome day, the storm heightened my nerves and anticipation but ultimately brought a better sense of teamspirit with all the runners.

The marshalls, you were awesome - having my name on my marmite top was a good call, I am indebted to your support.  From the wisecracks, the advice, the cheers and the volume - you were all brilliant.

It was great to be able to cheer runners on in the opposite direction, although a bit unnerving in the very narrow tree passage.  Everything I want to say has already been seen, except - thanks for the carrots, i loved them! 

That last downhill felt like the best sprint in my life!  And Capricorn your cheeriness was unending, when I saw you I couldnt help grinning. 

Thanks Dr and all the rest of you for a fabulous day (and my first first!) - (my legs might not feel the same way though....)

P.s. Hi Dr Rob and everyone else, quick question, does anybody know where there is a course run through or elevation graph for this route?? people keep asking me so they can walk it or run it. I can remember most of it but some of the little tracks I can't place.

 Any help much appreciated.

Hi Iain.

Here's my run on Garmin connect http://connect.garmin.com/activity/93253059 

The profile is horrific!

Thanks Chimney

Thats perfect, sure I can figure it out from that. (see what you mean about the profile lol)