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Halstead & Essex Marathon
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This is a very special marathon and a number of us from our club will be descending on Halstead again. This will be my 5th consecutive time here and always one high up on the list when I plan my year out.
Being in May, the weather can by warm - 2008 was a scorcher and last year was another warm and sunny one.
For those of you who are running this as either a first marathon or first-timers at this event, then I would highly recommend it. A very scenic rural course, undulating with no major hills, two laps (but it doesn't feel like a 2-lapper as it's run in a figure of eight - (if that makes sense?)), and great crowd support around the course. Organisation is first class, and I rate this event highly in all categories. With online entry and word of mouth, I'd be very surprised if this event doesn't fill up well in advance (which I think happened last year).
Blueski35,
I had no probs last night. there was a message saying "online entries not available" but I clicked on the link "un-affiliated entries" and it went through the entry process with no problems.
Good luck.
Thanks lungs. Will try again (with a different browser maybe)
Probably find I've signed up twice already!
I'm in. First ever marathon.
IE worked, Safari didn't. Wonder why? Don't care, I'm in!
First marathon - I know nothing!
Do they give out gels, bars, sandwiches or just water at this event?
Beleive there are 4 water stations that you see twice. Make sure you have your number written on them though and as you approach the station that you want you shout your name out esp on the first lap.
It helps, good luck with your training.
Thanks, good advice TL(MP). Do people tend to use little 300ml style disposable bottles or large cycling bottles? Thanks
Chose this especially even though it's far from home.
Looking forward to it with just a hint of trepidation.....
You didn't fancy Brighton OG? What was it about Essex that appealed to you? I read some previous reviews and 'small event', 'flat course' and 'pb potential' drew me in as a place to attempt my first marathon.
The Brighton route doesn't do it for me, particularly that yomp from Portslade back.
The Halstead reviews look great & so does the video on YouTube.
Err this course ain't flat by any streach of the imagination, bleeding wish it were
, there again it depends on what you call flat 
I'd get some hill training in guy's - it is a lovely course tho and well supported for a small race.
Aghh!!!
Its in Essex. Do they have hills in Essex? How about pb potential?
Afraid we do have a few hills in Essex - well for you Keir it will be a pb if this is your first marathon. I've not got a pb on this course yet (have done it twice) but if my training goes to plan I should get one this time.
It's not really a great pb course if you're going to compare it to London or Abingdon both of which are flat. (but that depends on where you start), just enjoy it as its your first.
Have Gt Bentley 1/2 at the weekend which should give me an idea of where I'm at on my training.
Just incase anyone wants the info, this is the course profile from my Garmin last year:
The highest point is only about 280 feet, the lowest about 190, so whilst not flat, it's not really hilly either. To give it some perspective, if you live / run in London you'll probably think it's hilly, if you live in Amsterdam, you'll think you're running in the Alps!
If you live up north you'll wonder what the fuss was about.