Who's up for this? It certainly is tough, but the scenery is stunning - not that I am biased, of course! Only aspect of the route that I am not so keen on - apart from the steep climbs - is the out-and-back to the Dyke, but this would be difficult to avoid if all 3 Forts are to be included.
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I am doing it with a vengance this year. Only the half, but i had to walk one or two bits last year, since i went a bit too fast to start with, and didnt appreciate the hills, and there are lots of them. But i know whats coming up now, and i cant wait to do it. Wish it was 6th May now. Its a hard race, but very enjoyable.
For anyone not done it. My advice is, take it slow and consistent, wear something very light since it gets very hot out there, and bring your own water. And dont worry about your time. If you can do it without stopping, walking at all, then you are doing well. It is bloody hard, but it is a beast that one must face.
I will not try to run the hills, but will just keep on jogging, even if it is a slow pace. I hear what your saying though. Good advice.
My favourite Marathon.
I'll be there!
I'm up for the marathon! WIll be my first fully off road marathon.
Strategy will be to walk the hills and try and run as much of the rest as possible, but mainly to keep moving forward the whole time.
I'd say pretty similar to the Stinger, hopefully with better weather but no cooked breakfast.
Cheers - Raymond
Hello Suffolk Punch - I remember you trying to help me sort out my transport problems to Halstead a couple of years ago You have a good strategy there.
I've done it the last two years and I don't mind the out and back to Devil's Dyke as it's a good turning point cos it's uphill, turn around, downhill.
Hmmm Ghostrider, it wasn't that hot in 2010 , I came down those last two miles like a downhill skier as I was so desperate to finish before I succumbed to hypothermia.That was possibly the only negative split I have ever done.
Great race.
I would be interested in anyone's thoughts on how the two compare, so that I can try and pace this one better.
Guy, sorry but I haven't done the Greensands marathon but I do know Leith Hill
Weather can't be any worse than it was for the Stinger this year..........can it ????
Not done this one before but as it's local I'll be there. Really looking forward to getting back to a proper run after plodding the streets of Brighton and Hove last week
I felt sorry for those marshalling in 2010. At the Chanctonbury waterstation the full cups of water were just being blown straight off the table by the wind which had joined the freezing rain to make it a memorable event.
Guy - I've done both this and Greensands but I find it hard to compare . I think Greensands would be trickier in bad weather and has some narrower and more frequent ups and downs but a lovely almost downhill last quarter whereas 3 forts has long stretches of typical South Downs chalk trail and is a mile longer.
From what you say it doesn't sound as though Three Forts is appreciably harder (apart from the extra mile), so I think I'll aim for the same sort of time, and see how it goes.
Helly, be great to catch up!
Any advice for a first timer ...?!
I'm a half marathon runner , this will be my first off road . I did do the Bluebell 10 miler in Angmering last sunday and managed the hills !!
I am familiar with parts of the route as i live on Hillbarn lane , so i'm lucky to be able to run and walk around Cissbury and Chanctonbury !!! However from what i've read above i'm expecting a huge challenge ?!!
Are the aid stations adequate ? Is it just water ? Shall i take gels,beans ?
I'm really looking forward to participaiting this year instead of watching everyone park and warm up from my window !!!
Thanks
Looking forward to this one again.
Couple of major steep parts but the worst parts are the long uphill beween where the marathon/half split up to Chanctonbury and then the mile or so uphill before you head back to Cissbury.
I found that its 10-15% more on your time than a road race and will be a bit tougher than Angmering 10 because there is virtually no flat - all ups and downs so pace yourself and with the first climb up to Cissbury - dont go out too fast!!
no9
I'm hoping to get an 'enter on the day' after the disappointing cancellation at Shakespeare yesterday.
Not done this before lizzie so I can't advice on aid stations.....tho I'll tuck 2 or 3 gels about my person(!) for emergencies.
Route profile looks gruesome, very similar to Steyning Stinger. I can't imagine it will be worse conditions than Steying or Shakespeare but I'm bracing myself......