Not being a pack leader myself (did Dartford in 2hr), I think this one is harder than Dartford. A long steady climb along a main road for first half, then lots of undulating across country to finish. Hated it the first year, loved it the next.
Like Hew Matt I have only just done two, Canterbury in May and Thanet earlier this month. How does Maidstone compare to Canterbury? Is the worst bit at the beginning? At Canterbury the steepest hill is only 3 miles from home.
Not at all! On the website the course was described as "undulating". Being a 50+ novice runner that hill came as a real shock. Thanks for your advice, I think I will go for this one now and probably the Margate 10 mile in December.
It's not quite the monster that it's sometimes made out to be. Trust me, I scored a MV40 PB there last year that wasn't far outside my lifetime PB. "THE" hill comes around about the midway point and, if you've still got something left, you can attack the course over the last 4/5 miles.
It starts in the Grove Green area of Maidstone, does a loop round the estate and then follows the A20 towards the M20, climbs slightly towards the foot of Hollingbourne Hill, turns left towards Thurnham, left towards Bearstead and back towards the Grove Green area. The finish is about 500 yards beyond the start.
Just one slight downside - the Black Lion at Thurnham only opens after the race has finished (or so my friend who thought he'd got a plum marshalling position last year, informs me).
not running this year due to creaking bones , but like ajax i had a really pleasing time on it last year and im envious of those that are doing it.nice run , good scenery and if you can give yourself of twenty years ago a good performance its got to be good. hope the eleventh mile is shorter this yeargood luck have fun
I think I will give this one a miss after my disappointing 1/2 debut at the GNR...knowing the area very well (used to do my training around the Pilgrim Way) I know this course will only be another disappointing time for me!! I hope you all have a good run...and maybe I will see you next year when I am stronger and fitter...with 12 months training behind me not 6 weeks
Hi Did this lasy year in 1;53;21 - it was my first ever race... I found it hilly and hard, that last mile felt like 1.5 miles but it was a great day except for impatient drivers. Not doing it this year as I have moved to Qatar. Running in the desert with humidity and high temps is very different to winters in SE England. Good Luck
Could those who have entered the Kent Championships please register in the Race HQ before the start - ie at least 20 minutes before the start to give you time to walk to the line. You need to collect from me a championship marker to pin on your rear which gives away your age ....... and sex ! You can't qualify for a Kent Championship medal if you enter on the day - you must be pre-entered. This is also the final race of the 2006 Kent Grand Prix.
This is my first attempt at the Maidstone 1/2. Having reveiewed the commments not sure what to expect but am determined to enjoy it whatever! However, with only a week to go, am I the only one without a race number/instructions etc. or am I just paranoid...?
I'm in the same boat. It seems that you can enter on the day so I'm just going to turn up 20 minutes before the start and get a number. At least I hope that's how it works!
If you have not recieved you number yet please let me know by email at maidstone.half@ntlworld.com as i have been sending them out as soon as i have recieved them. Bob Foster Maidstone Harriers
I am right in thinking I can turn up 20 minutes before the start and get a number, am I? Just want to make sure, as that would be a bad mistake to make
20 minutes before the start would be cutting at bit fine as it's a 10minute walk from race hq to the start. We will be taking entries on the day from 8:00 but the late entry desk will close at 9:15
I'll hold you to that, Snoop; when last I heard, I was on finish area duties, so I'll see you at your best.
I understand that there are currently around 550 people entered, so it's a bit of a surprise that there is not more going on in this forum, but let's wait and see who's there on Sunday.
Most of the forumites now spend their forum time in the interminable RW marathon chatrooms, rather than on the smaller club races, so we can expect it to be like this in future.
Shocking isn't it! And the race is only tomorrow. I've avoided al marathon taly & been debating treadmills on the training forum. There tomorrow (all being well aiming to PB or be blown away by the wind - which seems to be par for course in every race I've taken part in this Autumn.
Comments
"THE" hill comes around about the midway point and, if you've still got something left, you can attack the course over the last 4/5 miles.
Just one slight downside - the Black Lion at Thurnham only opens after the race has finished (or so my friend who thought he'd got a plum marshalling position last year, informs me).
Did this lasy year in 1;53;21 - it was my first ever race... I found it hilly and hard, that last mile felt like 1.5 miles but it was a great day except for impatient drivers. Not doing it this year as I have moved to Qatar. Running in the desert with humidity and high temps is very different to winters in SE England. Good Luck
Bob Foster
Maidstone Harriers
See you all there for a potentailly wet 'n' windy race.
I'll be happy with sub-2!
I understand that there are currently around 550 people entered, so it's a bit of a surprise that there is not more going on in this forum, but let's wait and see who's there on Sunday.
See you at the finish (hopefully!)
will i be last? never been last before, will everyone have bogged off to the pub by the time i get there?
if so, leave my t shirt somewhere safe pls.
T2x
There tomorrow (all being well aiming to PB or be blown away by the wind - which seems to be par for course in every race I've taken part in this Autumn.