Swaledale Road Runners

I was looking forward to running a fast flat marathon course, but the weather forecast predicted strong winds and rain, not ideal conditions after all the lovely weather the week before. However, on the morning of the race, after a very early breakfast, I walked out of the hotel to a much better day than expected, the sun was shining but it was quite windy.

The race started at 9am at Chester Racecourse and was a circular route with a brief trip into Wales. The first mile took us through the centre of Chester where there were lots of supporters gathered and we ran past the famous clock and out of the City walls.

I was hoping to run about 6.20 a mile but by the half way point I was running about 6.10 a mile which was great, but I was a bit worried I had gone too quick and might struggle later on. I managed to keep 6.10 a mile up until mile 18 when I started to tire. The last four miles were hard, they were not quite as flat as promised and my legs were aching and I was starting to stiffen up. I managed to pass 4 runners in the last few miles as the course was obviously taking its toll on everyone.

The last mile was along the river and I was glad to see the racecourse again, but the lap of it to the finish felt a long way. I completed the race in 16th place in a time of 2h 45.49 knocking 13 minutes off my previous personal best. I then had a very painful massage in the recovery area, but I think the benefit was worth the pain. I am now looking for another marathon in the spring.

Liz Sowter was the only other Swaledale runner there and finished in a time of 3h 52.55

Tony Lambert