Ran this last year as only my second full mara. I really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, great organisation and superb marshals! Meeting up with a group of fellow RW forumites really added to the day. I was gutted I DNF.
Planned to run again next year to prove I can still do it, but I've been accepted for the FLM (I almost sound disappointed)
As Tiptree said it would be up to you and how fast you recover normally.
Personally I know i'd be capable of doing both London and Halstead as i've done 4 in the last 5 weekends. I also know I cant do all of them as fast as each other. My excuse for doing Halstead is i can visit my uncle at the same time being he lives just outside Braintree.
Well, that's interesting, but I was wondering if you'd thought about going the other way.
I have the odd daughter or two who might be persuaded to run a half-marathon. If they stopped at the half-way mark, would they get an official half-marathon time, or would they be "DNF"?
I appreciate it's more admin and work for you, but I imagine there are others who would be interested in a half-mara event. It would certainly make the day more interesting for us!
Halstead Road Runners is a small club of about 90 members and we have to recruit a lot of volunteers from outside the club to put on such a quality race. In the last couple of years Halstead has become recognised as one of the top races in the UK and thus we're focussed on maintaining this for our loyal followers.
So alas, a very popular half marathon (which it certainly would be) is not being considered at this time.
There's absolutely no chance of me getting round 38 miles so count me out for the Ultra. Have you thought about sprinkling sand on the course? If we have a repeat of this year's weather you could then have the Essex version of the Marathon des Sables!
But I wonder whether you have taken the pressure off me (and perhaps some others)? Presumably the cut-off time for the Ultra will be later than the current marathon cut-off time? Does this mean I will have longer to finish the 26.2 miles?
I'm afraid not Pete. We're going to set a cut-off time for entering the 3rd lap with the intention of keeping the overall time of the event the same.
On the subject of half-marathons. Nathan is perfectly correct. We reach our entry limit with our marathon and that limit is based on what we think we can cope with as a club, and with the resources we have. A half-marathon would attract an awful lot of people and I think that would dilute the event we already have. An ultra on the other hand, with a small field, would hopefully enhance our event.
Entry limit is 750 next year. And we've never had to shut the books on a race and turn people away. We are getting busier every year though so it's worth getting your entry in as soon as online entry is enabled.
Will be entering either the mara or the ultra as soon as entries open! Then I just need to get the knee issue sorted. It'll be an expensive '09 otherwise!
Pammie - I know what you mean about people thinking your bonkers. I am getting the same replies!
I have been looking at doing this marathon for a little while now, and also can't wait till online entry starts. I have read a lot of positive things about this marathon and would love to do it. It will be my first marathon so should be a great challenge.
Pammie - I know what you mean about people thinking your bonkers. I am getting the same replies!
I have been looking at doing this marathon for a little while now, and also can't wait till online entry starts. I have read a lot of positive things about this marathon and would love to do it. It will be my first marathon so should be a great challenge.
Hopefully see you all there next May!
Hopefully online entries wont be long. Keep the faith.
I've just seen from your club website the fantastic amount raised by this year's marathon for charity. Well done. Yet another plaudit for your event. I liked the photo.
Comments
Ran this last year as only my second full mara. I really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere, great organisation and superb marshals! Meeting up with a group of fellow RW forumites really added to the day. I was gutted I DNF.
Planned to run again next year to prove I can still do it, but I've been accepted for the FLM (I almost sound disappointed)
Can I manage 2 in 2 weeks. Any advice?
It's not unusual to run two maras in a short period, but it's impossible to comment on your particular case.
it depends on your training background, and other factors.
Last year in Sweden there was a special event: five maras on five consecutive days (I didn't take part!).
Aaagh. I mean this year. I tried to run it this year. It was only a few weeks ago, too. it was hot, very hot.
Fair point Tiptree. I'll turn up on the day and see how I feel. I'll either register and run or just spectate and support.
I remember passing a pub a couple of times this year...I could watch from there.
As Tiptree said it would be up to you and how fast you recover normally.
Personally I know i'd be capable of doing both London and Halstead as i've done 4 in the last 5 weekends. I also know I cant do all of them as fast as each other. My excuse for doing Halstead is i can visit my uncle at the same time being he lives just outside Braintree.
i'm coming!!!!
doing 4 in 4 weeks for charity.
this is number 3, dont think i'll be fast lol!!!!
We're thinking of including an Ultra Marathon at next years event.
For more information there's a thread going here: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages.asp?dt=4&UTN=132783&last=1&V=6&SP=
Well, that's interesting, but I was wondering if you'd thought about going the other way.
I have the odd daughter or two who might be persuaded to run a half-marathon. If they stopped at the half-way mark, would they get an official half-marathon time, or would they be "DNF"?
I appreciate it's more admin and work for you, but I imagine there are others who would be interested in a half-mara event. It would certainly make the day more interesting for us!
Unfortunately the course does not permit a half marathon...there's an out-run followed by two laps of about 11miles, then a back-run. Map here: http://halsteadroadrunners.net/index.php?page=course
Halstead Road Runners is a small club of about 90 members and we have to recruit a lot of volunteers from outside the club to put on such a quality race. In the last couple of years Halstead has become recognised as one of the top races in the UK and thus we're focussed on maintaining this for our loyal followers.
So alas, a very popular half marathon (which it certainly would be) is not being considered at this time.
Nathan Roulson, Race Director.
Hi Flynn
There's absolutely no chance of me getting round 38 miles so count me out for the Ultra. Have you thought about sprinkling sand on the course? If we have a repeat of this year's weather you could then have the Essex version of the Marathon des Sables!
But I wonder whether you have taken the pressure off me (and perhaps some others)? Presumably the cut-off time for the Ultra will be later than the current marathon cut-off time? Does this mean I will have longer to finish the 26.2 miles?
P
I'm afraid not Pete. We're going to set a cut-off time for entering the 3rd lap with the intention of keeping the overall time of the event the same.
On the subject of half-marathons. Nathan is perfectly correct. We reach our entry limit with our marathon and that limit is based on what we think we can cope with as a club, and with the resources we have. A half-marathon would attract an awful lot of people and I think that would dilute the event we already have. An ultra on the other hand, with a small field, would hopefully enhance our event.
Entry limit is 750 next year. And we've never had to shut the books on a race and turn people away. We are getting busier every year though so it's worth getting your entry in as soon as online entry is enabled.
Will be entering either the mara or the ultra as soon as entries open! Then I just need to get the knee issue sorted. It'll be an expensive '09 otherwise!
Yes Flynn cheers - Can't wait
Though people think i'm bonkers
Pammie - I know what you mean about people thinking your bonkers. I am getting the same replies!
I have been looking at doing this marathon for a little while now, and also can't wait till online entry starts. I have read a lot of positive things about this marathon and would love to do it. It will be my first marathon so should be a great challenge.
Hopefully see you all there next May!
The way I'm entering races for next year even I think I'm bonkers!!!
Hi Flynn
I've just seen from your club website the fantastic amount raised by this year's marathon for charity. Well done. Yet another plaudit for your event. I liked the photo.
Online entries are now open guys. Come and get 'em.
So what was decided about the Ultra? Just interested. No chance of me going for the "biggie"! Maybe all will be revealed when I visit the site!?
Thanks Flynn
I seem to have entered now
Looking forward to it.