Coastal Trail Series - Marathon

Smiley - the event website tells you there are water stations about every 6 miles on on the course but it is mandatory that you carry 750ml fluid.

I have an Inov8 pro 12 which I use for trail marathons and have found it to be perfect for this use.  However, I must stress I'm no "racing snake" and tend to see these type of events of "journeys" rather than races.  The Pro 12 is an excellant fit and doesn't bounce around - its comfortable, light and you can fit in everything you might need.  Obviously, as with any kit recommendation - my view is subjective - I rate this sack highly but I'd suggest you go try one on rather than just buy over the internet.   

Thanks for the suggestions and info.

I do rate the Inov-8 kit as I have two fo their waist packs which I use for shorter distances and short mountain runs. However, this race is 28 miles and my gut feeling is that I would prefer to have the weight on my shoulders for upto 6 hours as opposed to my waist.

The problem is that I live in Northern Ireland and I can't find anyone which stocks the Pro 12 race pack. Hence the reason I am keen to hear peoples views.

I think I shall just order a Pro 12 pack and if it doesn't suit I can use the distance selling rules to send it back.

Smalleyboy - 

 I ran the Gower event this weekend and to be honest, the whole spectrum is covered. Some people ran only with a bottle in their hand but most of the runners for the marathon had rucksacks with a water pouch. I currently use an Osprey Raptor 14 which may sound a bit large but fits perfectly for me. To be fair, you won't be running 7 minute miles so it is, in my opinion, not that important if a pack is 10 or 14.

I'll be back for South Devon. Should be brilliant!

EI22RE -

Thanks for posting. It is good to get an insight from someone who has done one of the races. It looks a great series of events. I agree that it is important to choose a pack which is comfortable because speed isn't top of my list of goals. Finishing is.

There are more than enough hills to sap energy and speed so I need to be able to carry enough gels and bars to sustain me over the distance. I note the South Devon has nearly an additional 700 feet of ascent over the Gower marathon course. I'm looking forward to it but not underestimating the difficult nature of the event.

 Smalleyboy

I used a smallish camelback (carrying fluid, jacket, first aid stuff) and a gel belt for the CTS marathons last year, sometimes had an extra top tied round my waist. This worked fine, although make sure whatever base layer you wear is long enough so the bag doesn't chaff at the neck or lower back . Their feeding stations are reasonably close together (think 4-5 total in the marathons) and have sweets and biscuits. This with 3 gels and a flapjack is plenty (for me).

Kevin