I'm almost addicted without having run one ... already spend hours scouring the net for others. I'm doing Lakeland Trails on 1st July, and very tempted by Snowdonia Marathon.
I've entered this. It was a toss up between this and Manchester. Umm'd and arrr'd for a couple of weeks until I had a vision of being sardined by '000's of runners in Manchester followed by running free with a couple of hundred in the Dorset countryside. It became a No brainer. An tips from those that have experience? I've been reading past reviews seems there are only a few hills one to watch out for at 18 is that right?
That's about right, there are a few hills but the downs make up for it. Bring your own snacks too as there are 2 feed stations where you can get your own things handed out to you. Try not to miss the beer at the end, I did last year. Get used to the smell of cow poo, there are a few farms on the way.
Thanks Kate, there seem to be a lot of conflicting messages on the past events review - some saying its flat some saying not a chance of a pb 'cos its too hilly, I prefer a few lumps to keep me entertained.
Is it right that supporters can follow you on bikes too?
Absolutely not going to miss the beer - recon I'll smell that from half way to draw me home!
Lots of supporters do, yes, be careful on some of the narrower roads as it can get a bit annoying for the runners. I don't like a totally flat course so not a bad PB prospect, did better here last year than I had in London 2 weeks before.
How's your training going - what races do you have planned as warmups? I've got Llanelli half a week Sunday should give me a good indication of where I'm at.
I did the Endurancelife South Devon coastal half last weekend in 2:19. 2000 feet of climb in that, trails, wind and rain, so pretty pleased with the time. And I'm doing the Forest of Dean Half on April 1st.
I've done a bit of coast running - its mental, really hard in places, I know loads of people who rave about FOD, I might see if the entries are still open myself.
Hi I'm signed up to this one as first ever marathon attempt (yikes!!)
Done a few halfs & would be happy to get round in one piece really but ideally around 4.30 would make me a very happy person! Love that everyone's so positive about it in reviews.
I've entered this. It was a toss up between this and Manchester. Umm'd and arrr'd for a couple of weeks until I had a vision of being sardined by '000's of runners in Manchester followed by running free with a couple of hundred in the Dorset countryside. It became a No brainer. An tips from those that have experience? I've been reading past reviews seems there are only a few hills one to watch out for at 18 is that right?
Hi Stephen. Judging by the feedback on this site after the Manchester marathon looks like your decision is fully vindicated! See ya all Sunday.
Hi all, 200 mile round trip yesterday only to suffer the loss of the Shakespeare full. Is there any local knowledge on the state of the NDVM route, no risk of another cancellation is there?
Thanks Sebastion. I think I got it right. Trainings gone great but running yesterday was a nightmare. 6 miles into a 30mph gale blowing rain so hard it stung. Turned round and I was still into a headwind - how!! So hope that wasn't a dress rehearsal for Sunday!
Checking the Environment Agency this morning, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham area mentioned in a couple of flood warnings, however while their updates have reduced threat level, they do say further rain expected. So will have to keep watching. Can't access race homepage from my work PC, but hopefully they'll do a better job of providing info than the Shakespeare managed.
From the website - hope your reading this Shakespear!
For those of you worrying: Dryish weather forecast for the next few days with a bit of rain on Thursday but nothing like last weekend. So nothing to worry about. Should this change in any way we would announce on the race website and by email on the Sat that the race is postponed, but at the moment it is not a concern. See you all Sunday
I saw that as well, happy with that and will check Saturday night. Still, did Brighton and am doing Halstead and Richmond Pk so if it goes sideways I should still have completed 3 out of my 5 intended Spring maras.
As Shakespeare is really a half with a full bolted on it was probably easy for them to think they'd definately run the half and see about the full on Sunday morning. Certainly shades my view of where to run in 2013 though.
Comments
Hope to see you in the lanes!
Is it right that supporters can follow you on bikes too?
Absolutely not going to miss the beer - recon I'll smell that from half way to draw me home!
Hi I'm signed up to this one as first ever marathon attempt (yikes!!)
Done a few halfs & would be happy to get round in one piece really but ideally around 4.30 would make me a very happy person! Love that everyone's so positive about it in reviews.
Final week of taper for me now so hopefully will be all on for Sunday.
Hi all, 200 mile round trip yesterday only to suffer the loss of the Shakespeare full. Is there any local knowledge on the state of the NDVM route, no risk of another cancellation is there?
What times are people looking for?
For those of you worrying:
Dryish weather forecast for the next few days with a bit of rain on Thursday but nothing like last weekend. So nothing to worry about.
Should this change in any way we would announce on the race website and by email on the Sat that the race is postponed, but at the moment it is not a concern.
See you all Sunday
Well done trotters!
I saw that as well, happy with that and will check Saturday night. Still, did Brighton and am doing Halstead and Richmond Pk so if it goes sideways I should still have completed 3 out of my 5 intended Spring maras.
As Shakespeare is really a half with a full bolted on it was probably easy for them to think they'd definately run the half and see about the full on Sunday morning. Certainly shades my view of where to run in 2013 though.