Lochaber Marathon 2012 - Spring Marathon

youvegotanthony

08/09/2011 at 12:23

Hi all!

I have been looking around for a good first marathon and I think I have settled with the Lochaber Marathon in April.

I have done a few half marathons and generally come in between 1.45 and 1.50. I usually feel that after a half I could go around again which has driven me to take the step up to the mighty marathon!

I have read that Lochaber is a good PB course, and as this will be my first a PB is guaranteed!

I know the weather for this one is a huge factor but can any runners of this course tell me a bit about the profile of the course, scenery, facilities....

The application form states you can apply online at runnersworld but I don't see the link online? I will just send the paper application....

3:30 or bust

08/09/2011 at 23:22

Fort William and flat - a basic out and back course mosetly in a straight line - lovely scenary

Birch

09/09/2011 at 15:28

Did this in 2006 - starts in Fort William - mile thru housing estate to main road, 12 miles up, 12 miles back, then mile thru estate to finish on shinty field. Really liked it - on the way back you can focus on Ben Nevis (if the weather allows) - a big help when the suffering starts. Only slight downside is traffic on the road, but this wasn't a great problem for me. Great presentation after in hall, with tea & sandwiches. Stayed over until Monday, which meant a splendid night at pub, with plenty of other marathoners taking refreshment - excellent weekend all round.

Chris Sumsion

13/09/2011 at 13:49

Very well run, small & friendly. If you like low key races & lovely scenery it will work well for you. Probably about 400 runners I guess.

Only downside for me - the finishing clock was out by about 2 minutes - thought I'd hit my target only to later find out I had just missed it. Still very happy with 3:15 & change.

Fast course - ever so slightly uphill on the way out.

Fort William takes ages to drive to - but some stunning scenery en route. Train a good option if you are on the West Coast Line. Loads of hotels - got a decent deal at the Alexandra which is 5 mins walk from the start.

mad mark

19/09/2011 at 14:56

I travelled up from wales this year to do this one , fantastic drive up over 2 days ,stopped off overnight in Carlisle..We stayed in self catering lodges 6 mile from Fort William which were fantastic,so you can cook all your favorite foods

My 3rd marathon at the young age of 54.. Great little low key club type event,but the weather on the day was warm and sunny which made it hard after months of winter training,so only managed 3hr43 Said on the day i would not do another marathon,but hey ho have registerd for VLM

I would definately recomend Lochaber Marathon

youvegotanthony

26/09/2011 at 21:36

all sounds very positive!

I have family in Fort William so going to make a weekend of it! I see that the online entries have now opened on here so will register on payday!

Just hoping I can keep my training up enough through the winter months!

kaz1

27/09/2011 at 11:53

Where can you get application for this?? I've been looking online and can't find it??

youvegotanthony

27/09/2011 at 21:53

there is links here to all forms of entry

http://www.lochaberac.co.uk/lochaber-marathon-2012/

kaz1

28/09/2011 at 05:28

Thank you

northseatiger

02/10/2011 at 23:30

Hi all,

Took the plunge and put my money where my mouth is !!

First marathon, although always been generally fit with lots of other sports. So we shall see.

Always swore I would do one by the time I was 40, guess what im 40 eek

This marathon will see me still 40 just lol..

Bring it on, thats my bravo bit, cacking it really. So want to do a decent time and then retire immediately!

kenny_yan

04/10/2011 at 08:30

Entered last night.

Like the sound of this from what little I've read on forums, etc.

Not such a huge fan of out and back courses, but the scenery in this one should more than compensate for that.

Did Loch Ness on Sunday in a PB 4:15 so aiming for anything under 4 hours for this.

kaz1

04/10/2011 at 16:15

Entry form completed and waiting to post!!

Did my first marathon in Berlin last wk, amazing time but want something smaller.

Kenny-I'll be aiming for a sub 4 too after achieving 4-09 in scorching heat of Berlin.

Dont know about out and back either, the thought of seeing all the fast people passing on their way back......

youvegotanthony

05/10/2011 at 22:14

place booked and room booked in the Ben Nevis Hotel and Health Suite! Looking forward to a weekend of running!

kenny_yan

07/10/2011 at 18:56

Kaz1, well done! I'd love to do Berlin - maybe in 2012.

Just booked a wee b&b there so that's that out the way....

fluffyface

10/10/2011 at 13:01

Just entered too....looking for some accom. now to spend a week up there.....good times

Ad2502

10/10/2011 at 19:32

I entered last week. Booked straight into the Premier Inn which I think is right by thje start/finish area.

Looking forward to it.

Amsterdam half on Sunday, was meant to be the full, but training went bad with niggly injuries.

Then full steam ahead to Lochaber

mad mark

11/10/2011 at 14:53

adidas we stayed at ....http://www.lochaberlodges.com/ and they were lovely

fluffyface

11/10/2011 at 16:01

Thanx very much Mark, will take a look

fluffyface

11/10/2011 at 18:46

Well, they do look lovely, however its got to be somewhere that will allow pets as the old pooch will have to come with us

tricialitt

16/10/2011 at 17:58

OH- a thread going already, good. This will be my 4th go at this- aiming to keep it under 4 hrs if possible. Better get my entry / accomodation sorted then!