Hi all, im planning on doing a few proper events next year, already got a spot for the London Marathon and im going to apply for the Great North Run but besides that what other main running events are they in the UK. Might try the Jersey marathon in October also.
Thanks
Comments
What do you mean by 'proper' and 'main'?
Are you just interested in tick-off-the-list events like GNR and VLM, or do you want to do challenging, interesting races?
Tick off the list events, Ive done London and New York. Im entering a few local ones like Leeds 10k.
most events have a marquee, usually used for registration or storing luggage
Halstead marathon doesn't have a marquee, just a gazebo.
GNR is busy. Not so much of a race as an event for most people. TBH you'd be better off doing smaller more scenic races. Keswick Half - Great Langdale Half/Full.
No tents but pubs are close.
Not my idea of fun at all, although loads of people seem to love that sort of thing.
BTW the Stratford Shakespeare marathon had a marquee but it was starting to get a bit flooded last yr with all the rain.
Great North Run
Great South Run
Great Eastern Run
Great East Anglian Run
Great Cumbrian Run
Great North West HM
Great Welsh Marathon
Great Bentley Half Marathon
For me they all sound at bit tedious, except for the Great Bentley race which is a gem.
UTMB. Thats a proper event.
Confucious says: the smaller the race, the shorter the queues for the loos. Wise old man.
I do love the big events like London, but also have a huge soft spot for quirky local races. One of their main advantages is that the exchange rate is something like 5-10 quirky local races to the Great Run.
FWIW I got a pb at the Great North Run on Sunday, so it is possible. Oh, and I wasn't wearing an Ipod
Bike events (even large bike events) are great - never, ever a queue for the ladies
GNR you just drop em and pee wherever you be.
Even girls.
I've peed in the bushes in the grounds of the Sandringham estate
Cos I'm well posh.
I've peed in the vineyards in Bordeaux... because there were no loos on route.
After trying a bit of both - I prefer smaller events, because:
Don't me wrong - London holds a close place in my running heart - but i'll choose a smaller local race anyday!
Yep, I used some shrubbery last year
Attempting to be more helpful, there are plenty of big city half marathons (Reading, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bath, etc.) and 10ks (Bupa 10000 in London, etc.) which you can add to and tick off your list if you wish, Mark, but do try the smaller events, too. Why not start with a parkrun (free timed 5k held on Saturdays) to experience the smaller event feel?
I may be wrong, but I think the OP is more interested in the ones that other people have heard of.
You know, proper events!
Oh give over with ya higher then mighty attitude Wilkie. Your a very condescending person, noticed it in my other thread you hijacked. If you have nothing to contribute then dont post on here if all you want to do is belittle my questions. Go mock somewhere else or do you think cos your in a running club and a secretary and im a newbie you have a right to appear elitest. Do one please.
I work hard to get back to fitness, Ive run 3 marathons raising over 5k for charity losing 3 stone each time to do it and kowing I needed a knee ACL reconstruction. Ive had this 3 months ago and im now starting from scratch again with my fitness and building the knee up, I'd like some goals and aims and would like to do some popular mainstream events like the Jane Tomlinson 10k in Leeds or Great North Run. Is that ok Wilkie or to get YOUR approval do I have to do the ones you say or think I should.
No I gradually put some on after and then get to a new lighterweight then before. Ive put on 20 pounds since knee op and just started proper training 2 weeks ago. But thats not the topic on here. I suspect the regulars on here now will come on and have nit pick as I've commented on Wilkies constant belittling posts.
No worries, just wanted to highlight the effort I put in to do these events and I don't appreciate the attitude of some people who are quick to put down and belittle my posts when its a perfectly normal question.
I respond well to goals and aims, like the London Marathon and this event pushes me and the day pushes me with the crowd. I wouldnt feel the same doing a smaller or quieter marathon event tbh, doesnt make me a bad person. We're all different. I'm not a serious runner or club runner, most of the time its not about the time but more so the event and satisfaction in finishing.
Care to highlight where I say that? Please.
Pointless post that tbh. Not sure why you posted it, or as the witchhunt on a newbie or inexperienced runner started.
FWIW, it was probably your use of the word "proper" that got everybody pissed off.
Anyway - events with a large number of participants
(Think Great South Run should be on that list)
Also - IAAF Road Race Label Events
True tbh, can see your point and meant no disrespect by that. I would be tempted to do some quieter events like 10k etc next year as I am aiming to beat my PB of 51 minutes as I realised this year when I started taking times into account I did better. But all that wont be until next year due to knee rehab.