Having ran this race today I have agree with the comments about the marshals and cadets enthusiasm in light of such terrible weather!
I also have to add how sorely disappointed I was with this race on a value for money basis.
Having been on the road since 6:30am I was horrified that upon our arrival at the Sykes lane car park that they were closed and not open till 10am. Making our way to the start was equally as disappointing as no toilet facilities were present there either. As far as start lines go I was amazed to see just an inflatable arch, a gazebo and a gazebo. In light of the weather a bag drop would have been gratefully received rather than merely throwing a carrier bag into the back of a transit!
The course was littered with water stations but these consisted of plastic cups filled by the cadets which ranged from quarter to half full at best and were somewhat inadequate for hydration in light of the distance. Bottles of water and periodic sports drinks are the future 'fat feet'.
The end was as unimpressive as the start and as for the 'goody bag' what was with an incomplete finishers certificate and a generic vest (its winter you know!) making no reference to the marathon whatsoever despite the website indicating vest or tshirt. Silver blankets should have been a standard feature today and ill be amazed if some people were not seriously ill in light of the weather.
This is where a bag drop would have come into its own, standing around in wet clothes waiting for the minibus or facing a 20 minute walk back to Sykes lane was a big ask today.
I generally feel that the organisers put profit before satisfaction today and I've felt it necessary to email them to explain this. I've seen better facilities at local club races for less than a tenner!
I can say I won't be visiting this race again or indeed recommended it despite the lovely scenery and route unless 'fat feet' seriously up their game!
What are peoples plans for getting back into training? I have a couple of things coming up in the next couple of months (runs and cycling) and really need to get back in the saddle as soon as I can. Any suggestions?
Try searching for Hal Higdon in goole. He does some great training programs online for free in relation to post marathon training from a 'zero week' to four week programs to get you back up to training properly once again!
Still no official results, surely they cannot take this long. Have run events recently where I have been texted my chip time before reaching the car to come home!
I appreciate the comment about the official course measurer and garmin's being slightly out but that course was nearer 26.5 without a doubt. So many people made comment about the signs on route being about 1/4 mile out it was obvious. If the measurer could lose 1/4 in that short distance from the start on those narrow paths I'd love to see where they went!
Marshalls and supporters were of a level which requires praise all around but the lack of changing, baggage collection and freezing conditions in the stadium cold have been resolved so easily with more of the stadium being used. That stadium would hold all of the runners, luggage etc and must possess rooms suitable for changing of clothing i'm sure!
Lessons to be learnt but at least it wasn't cancelled with 5 minutes to go like Shakespeare!!
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neil hopwell
