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Great racing at the Cambridge Boundary Mara on Sunday. Wasn't expecting much so just headed off fairly brisk to see what happens.

Didn't wear a watch so no idea of halfway splits. Hard to tell who is half and who is full distance racers so quite easy to get pulled along by the half marathoners.

The first half is about 80% Tarmac, 2nd half probably 50% Tarmac so in effect there is loads of Tarmac for an off road trail mara.

Hardly any mud, the off road sections were very fast.

From mile 14 I started to lose the stalker on my tail. Which was nice and then I started to reel in the runners ahead. At a checkpoint at mile 17ish I asked the lass how many had come through, she said 4. Cool! Good chance to scrape a podium finish. I soon catch up the next man who is fading fast, in the distance I can see another one. Catching him is taking time. He ain't slowing, damn, I'll have to pick things up, I keep eating food/gels to make sure I don't dip, slowly but surely I am reeling him, this is great fun! I'm getting closer but then realize a chap behind me is making fast progress. Damn, getting caught myself now. Put the smack down.

I eventually catch the next man, man behind can't be seen, but the chap I overtake won't give it up easily and keeps pushing. I can hear his steps. I thought he would give it up straight away but no he fights on. But this is great for both of us as the guy up front is being caught. I have a suspicion that he could possibly be the race leader. I want this race now. I push on harder n faster just a mile to go. Thankfully chap behind gives up the ghost which just leaves me to catch the 'leader'. I catch him at about 25.75 miles. I power home just in case he tries to steal it back. Relief, finish line. I just want to know my position, which turns out to be 5th place, oh well still happy, but especially happy when told 3h07.

Very chuffed and very unexpected.

So, false info from marshall at feed station gives me the impetus to push on faster in the search of glory! Thanks for that kick up the back side!

Nice course, fast course and cheap entry plus 4 hotel rooms available at the Holiday Inn race venue/HQ for showers and changing. Amazing!

Finished? In 2hrs and 2mins?