Hello. Advice needed please. I am on the verge of entering the marathon but require a few things clearing up as best as possible first. I am a keen amateur footballer and consider myself fit to a point. I think I could run 15 miles tomorrow but not much further. I want to do a marathon and at 35 in my home town this seemed the perfect opportunity. The things I would like to know is how hard for a novice does the course rate and how demoralising will the rural part be. Secondly everyone needs a target time. The current world record is the 2 hour Mark and I feel just out of my reach in my marathon debut so with this in mind I have Plumped for the 4 hr 30 minute mark. How achievable is this and will it mean I won't be last. Finally how friendly will it be and how will will a debutant ^be^ received. If it is for hardened runners only and I find myself on my own after 10 miles it won't be for me. Reading previous post the world of fun running isn't as fun is I thought and in fact cut throat. Thanks in advance Max. Please be aware anyone who replies will more than lightly ^be^ called upon for further advice.
denotes Subscriber-only content | 
Max Hedingham
