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This was my first proper ‘adult’ race as I am now old enough to enter some of them and my first 10K race. I had decided to do this one because I am raising money for my GirlGuiding international trip to Canada in August. There is a link for this at the bottom.

It was a very warm day; about 22℃. I don’t like running in the heat very much, obviously I don’t mind a bit of heat but it was too hot for me. In addition to this when you were running there wasn’t a breeze (which would have nice) and very little shade and I was very glad that I put my suncream on.

There weren’t very many Harriers out, just me, my Mum and Dad, Chris Lines, Ciaran Lines, Peter King and Gary Auston. However we did have some good results:

At the start of the race I found that all of the people kept getting in my way and it annoyed me. The further I got through the race the fewer people there were around me, but they still managed to get in my way a bit, however by that point I was too tired to really care anyway.

To begin with I was ahead of my Mum but at about 7km she overtook me, I tried to keep her in my sight but then she just got too far so I gave up and stopped looking that far ahead. There was a tight corner before the finish but there were signs so you knew how far that you had left to go which I found very useful.

I found the race difficult because of the heat and the distance, but the route was very scenic and there was only one major hill which was quite near the start meaning it was easier than if it had been closer to the end. I was also pleased with my time because of all the 6 mile training runs I have done this was much faster; I personally think that 50:15 is very good, but I would have loved to get below 50 minutes.

 

There were a lot of people out supporting the runners which was nice and the marshals were also very supportive towards the runners.

I am collecting sponsorship for doing this event to go towards my Sedgefield Rangers trip to Canada. If you wish to sponsor me the link to my online fundraising page is is: https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/abbie-walker-canada-trip

I would be grateful for any donations.

By Abbie Walker

Out to Seaton Carew & back –(Paved & Flat)

Background.

This race report starts in June of last year when I had the bright idea of removing an unsightly raised flowerbed from the garden.

After I’d loaded two and a half tons of rubble into the trailer I discovered I had a bad back.

Despite seeing the physio on several occasions my back had ‘gone out’ more time than I had. I’m sure most of you could testify to this, due to my frequent wailing and gnashing of teeth on Saturday mornings.

The positive bit.

That is, until I started to attend a back class a month or so ago. After ‘engaging my core’ & punishing muscles I never knew I had on several occasions, I was feeling a lot better & decided to start entering races longer than the usual parkrun distance.

The morning of the race.

Still suffering with a cold & lack of sleep from staying up too late, the morning did not start well, but after some porridge & copious amounts of coffee I set off for the coast.

On arrival to say it was cold would be somewhat of an understatement. To be honest it was that bitter, not to mention a well known phrase, the round projectiles on the nearby Trincomalee had detached from their stands & were rolling around on the decks!

Registration.

As with previous years registration was very friendly, quick & efficient. Tee shirt pickup was prior to the event, prompting many comments about not having to run now, I must admit, the thought had crossed my mind.

The obligatory visit to the thunder box.

The queue was quite long but I was soon in conversation with some other runners although I was wishing I had gone back to the car for my nice warm coat. Although I cannot say this was a particularly uplifting experience, the convenience was clean with a good supply of hand sanitiser. Furthermore unlike my experience of the great north run, it had not been delivered to site already pre-filled.

The warmup

I set out around the back of the marina at 10-minute mile pace but my legs were having none of it. Feeling absolute rubbish I persevered for half a mile thinking this is not going well. On stopping my Garmin to record even this brief event, it reported I needed seven hours recovery time- I’d only got 20 minutes before the race start!

I did a few strides and very reluctantly parted with my hoody as I proceeded to the start.

It was there I met Mark C, Lisa M and the family F complete with their turbocharged racing buggies. I couldn’t help wondering why they never made a bigger version so I could get in. It was then I started to contemplate my race strategy & concluded for some unknown reason I was going to start at nine-minute mile pace & see how it went.

The race (bet you thought this bit would never come).

After some brief race instructions we were off. Lisa, Andy & Emma soon disappeared into the distance but I could see Mark up in front from about 50 metres back.

I was soon up on the promenade and the wind hit, diagonally into my face coming in from the North Sea. I couldn’t find anyone tall to run behind, everyone moving at my speed just did not cut it as a windbreak, so I had to grin and bear it. My thoughts went to the buggies up front, it could not have been easy pushing in these conditions.

I hadn’t got to the two-mile marker when the lead runners flew past on their way back. ‘How is this humanly possible to gain over a mile on me already?’ I asked. I could still see Mark up front & thought this can’t be right, so I looked at my Garmin to see 8.5 minute pace and I was actually still feeling reasonable. I decided to stick with it, hoping things would get easier at the turn, telling myself ‘I feel good‘ in the hope it would help. I then saw Andy & Emma on their return journey now literally with the wind in their sails.

Boosted by this I dug in, & was soon at the turn & had actually started to close the gap on Mark. Now that the wind was slightly from behind things became less of a battle. I was actually feeling warm with no more thoughts of differential expansion between brass frames & iron spheres on the deck of the aforementioned warship.

After another half a mile I caught Mark up & concluded he was now paying for the 10 miles before 10 & Parkrun he did on the previous two days.

The Finish

I pushed on towards the finish now believing my own propaganda about feeling good & was overtaking a few fellow competitors along the way. Into the final straight my legs started to complain when I pushed a bit harder. Telling them to ‘shut up’ didn’t help, but I was soon crossing the finish line collapsing into a heap, but not before stopping my Garmin & gratefully grabbing a bottle of water.

As ever it took an age for my breathing to come under control before I looked at my time..

 

Official result 41.13 that’s 8:15 minutes a mile!

 

Well pleased with my first race coming back from injury & a negative split too.

And my back… well lets not tempt fate.

 

 

For full race results see & anything else you might want to know appendix below

 

By Davewiththeknees (David Round)

Appendix

HMS Trincomalee

It is often stated that the phrase originated from the use of a brass tray, called a “monkey“, to hold cannonballs on warships in the 16th to 18th centuries. Supposedly, in very cold temperatures the “monkey” would contract, causing the balls to fall off.

Race results:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/19510/#resultSetId-147843;perpage:10

 

 

 

OK why did I sign up for this –

Great way to start our holiday in the Lakes.

Means we have to arrive early to start our holiday.

I love walking the hills in the Lake District.

To mark the last day in my forties!

There was a “challenge” option which is for the slower runners (or fast walkers), so no pressure!

Why this might be a bad idea –

Yes I do love walking the hills but I don’t like drops, I don’t like running down hill when it’s either steep, slippery, gravely or covered in stones/rocks.

I don’t like running up hills, does anyone?

Mile 8 was known as the coffin trail, steep uphill for a mile!

David was doing the “race” which meant he set off an hour after me, so my plan was to walk any bit I didn’t like and still arrive back before David. Matthew was to meet me at the end I told him it would take me about 2 hours (hopefully no longer)!

The race organisers said the weather was “perfect”, dry, just a bit breezy and cool, the 493 “challenge” runners lined up to start to the sound of drums and a brilliant atmosphere. We set off along the road and soon up the hill towards Chaife Heights, the pace was steady and I managed to run nearly all the way up, under foot was nice, no steep drops, not too much gravel or rocks, so the running was good.

Following a down, an up and then a lovely grassy downhill we passed though Far Sawrey and the first water station, I was enjoying every step.

From Far Sawrey there was a long uphill, but with so many people walking, I felt the pressure was off and was happy to also walk. Whilst walking I still managed to overtake a lady who was running, just shows sometimes it does pay to be a tortoise.

For me the next bit was the worse bit of the race I really didn’t enjoy the drop down to Lake Windermere, it was quite steep with rocks and stones, I went so slow down about 30 people flew past me. Once on to the Lakeside I managed to pass a few of them before starting the coffin trail, no one ran that bit at all!  After the coffin trail mile it was 90% downhill to the finish.

I must say the marshals were great, one of them had about 10 small toy sheep with him and the one on the coffin trail was a full size skeleton he was wearing a hi-vis vest and pointing the right way.

With just over a mile before the finish I passed Matthew walking up the hill, I guessed that meant I was going faster than planned! I did walk part of the final downhill due to loose stones but once we were on the field and the road for the final stretch before the finish on Hawkhead playing fields I picked up the pace and passed quite a few runners and even managed a sprint finish with words of encouragement from a gentleman from St Helen’s Striders as I went past.

There was a commentator at the end of the race who spotted my number and shouted “well done Marie” as I came over the finish line.

To greet everyone at the end there were the drummers again, a finishers t-shirt and a brilliant selection of traders with goodies for sale, Matthew enjoyed a venison burger, David an apple and cinnamon latte and me a lovely cup of tea!

I really did enjoy the race (challenge) and would happily do it or maybe another Lakeland Trail run again, they are really not about time, they are about enjoying the hills, the views, the atmosphere and the great sense of achievement, which I did have at the end.

Just for the record, time wise David in the race came 36 (out of 152) 1 hour 24 min 5^th V50, and me I’m over the moon 1 hour 47 mins!  141 overall, 8th V40 lady (if the race had been the next day I would have been 5th V50, maybe I should do it next year J )

Results: http://www.lakelandtrails.org/download/Results/AA%2019%20Results/Hawkshead%2016k%20Trail%20Race%20Provisional%20Results.pdf

By Marie Walker

Manchester Marathon 7th April . My debut, wow what a marathon.

My marathon began with a party going on in the hotel room next door!!! Finally dozing and then a fire alarm at 4am. Wake up call. FALSE ALARM!!

I arrived at the start line wiring for the toilet or so I thought! No I was in a pen with 2:45 runners ARGHHHH! No way out I was stuck.

13 miles in everything going to my plan and that included 2 toilet stops. Shell Garage was very kind and gave lots of encouragement! The crowds that supported the race were very supportive all the way along the full route. I was now in new territory, 20 miles, don’t look at the watch just keep going. I needed the enthusiastic crowds. Then out of the bushes appeared Jane! It was me who went to a proper toilet. That amused me for a while and made me chuckle.

The atmosphere was phenomenal, I have never seen so much support from the local community. The different bands on route were uplifting. All I can say is well done to the organisation of this marathon, it certainly inspired me.

For extra energy I used 6 orange SIS gels from 6 miles and that gave me enough to finish. I kept my head and stuck to my plan and although I didn’t blow up at 20 miles the last 6 were so hard. Weather conditions perfect for a long run and a lovely flat course which was supported all the way around.

By Tracy Glaister

Results: https://results.sporthive.com/events/6488812689306147584

Editor’s note: Tracy completed her debut marathon in a very impressive 4 hours 20 minutes.

I entered this race earlier in the year not really knowing what to expect. I spent a lot of time there as a child so was well aware of the multi-terrain possibilities of the course. My fear after entering was that it was all going to be off road, uphill, through mud and over tree roots (some people’s cup of tea but I’ve done my share of Tough Mudders).

The weather forecast the night before was for drizzle and the met office wasn’t wrong. I arrived in good time for the start of the race so had a little walk from the parking area to the start line to see what was going on. It was all very subdued, a hand full of people milling around, the registration tent, the finish line and a solitary burger van, the only sound was that of a nearby stream and the van’s generator. I headed back to the car to keep warm, pin my number to my top and take on a few sips of water.

15 minutes to start and I ventured out of the car towards the start. Steve Cram had followed me up the road to the start line and offered a courteous “good morning.” There were a few more people there now and a bit more of an atmosphere was building. I had a little jog out of the back to the finish line to warm up then we were soon called to the start. Steve Cram started the race with a speech about the important work of Forestry England and the benefit of physical activity in these areas. He was supposed to be running but claimed he’d sustained a hamstring injury in training earlier in the week (I think he probably didn’t feel he was being paid enough to run back up the hill that we had to drive down to get to the start).

The race was under way, I made a very steady start as I knew from the run route signs on my way in that after the 200m flat to the first bend it was going to be a steep climb for at least a few hundred metres. Luckily for me the route was all forest track so solid under foot but there was no sight of the top of the hill as we passed the car entry road. A dozen or so runners, obviously more adept at running up hills, passed me on the way up. We reached the 1k marker and were still climbing. First mile passed in 9:07 mins of quad burning pain and 255 feet of ascent but soon after it levelled out a little, the damp mist and drizzle had subsided and the trees cleared to reveal a view of the forest below. It was a very scenic panorama of the valley below, the evergreen treetops and Weardale in the distance.

Another 194 feet of ascent through the 8:22 2^nd mile and 176 feet up in the 8:44 3^rd mile had my legs screaming for some downhill at the half way point. Soon after passing the 5k marker, which the drinks marshal had enthusiastically claimed “was just around the corner,” but was in fact around the corner, down a dip, up the other side of the dip and around another bend on the top of another rise, the descent began. My legs loosened up surprisingly quickly and the miles passed by quickly as the route meandered through the trees back down to the finish line. My legs were more adept at running downhill and flat than those who passed me going up as I steadily re-passed the dozen or so runners that passed me on the way up on the sprint to the finish, (7:16, 7:11 and 6:42 for miles 4, 5 and 6 respectively and a 1:20 ¼ mile sprint to the finish). I crossed the line in 48:56 which I was more that happy with especially considering the punishing nature of the first half of the race. Mr Cram was handing out the wooden finisher medals and the “well dones” at the finish and I helped myself to a cup of water and a Jaffa Cake from the refreshment table while I caught my breath and watched a number of other runners finishing the course.

I thoroughly enjoyed this race, the sense of achievement in not giving in on the inclines, the interesting surroundings and tranquil, traffic free route made it different from the races I usually enter and I’d sign up to enter again next year (with a little more hill training under my belt).

 

 

https://www.nice-work.org.uk/races/FC100-Hamsterley/2019

by Sam Rudd.

“…it’s not about you joggers who go round and round and round”

I always used to be more daunted by a 3,000m on the track than a road half marathon. There’s nowhere to hide on the track – you can feel exposed, with all of your athletic shortcomings on display for anyone to see and judge. I also used to find the experience oddly claustrophobic. Hmm, I’m not really giving track and field the ‘big sell’ here am I?

The truth is that I am a convert, but the above paragraph is my attempt to avoid being that most annoying type of person – the atheist turned holier than thou evangelist, or the reverse for that matter. So now that I have got that out of the way, I will unashamedly eulogise about running on the track!

It’s a great experience and what’s more, it has helped me improve my performances on the road. The discipline of getting into a rhythm and consistent pace on the track can have a significant impact elsewhere. In 2018, after running distances from 1,500m to 10,000m on the track during the summer, I managed to set new PBs at both 5K and 10K on the road, having struggled to get close to my previous bests for several years. A coincidence? Of course not.

We’re really fortunate that there is a well-established calendar of track and field events in the North East, and I particularly recommend the NYSD series over the summer, which this year will all be held at Middlesbrough Sports Village. You can register in advance, but you can also enter on the night, and they are extremely welcoming events that give anyone the opportunity to have a go at track and field without feeling like they’re in the crucible of competition. That’s not to say that the meetings are not competitive, just that the focus is as much on participation as it is on performance, and in that environment, it’s much less daunting. Last year, as well as racing on the track, I had a go at long jump, triple jump, discus, shot and high jump (think less ‘Fosbury Flop’ and more ‘Lines Lateral Leap’ – note the crucial problem with the latter!).

Another great aspect of the NYSD series is that it’s open to people of all ages. Track and field is a vital element of any young athlete’s development, so I have been trying to get my oldest son Ciaran along to as many meetings as possible – it’s a bonus that I can participate too. The traditional outdoor season curtain raiser used to be the Anne Marie Readshaw event at Shildon, but that no longer takes place and in the last two years, the baton has been passed to the Kieran Maxwell Memorial Open, held in memory of an inspirational young man who I was fortunate enough to meet on a couple of occasions. Like the NYSD events, anyone could take part, though all registration was in advance and the event filled up quite quickly.

Ciaran and I both tackled the 3,000m, which was held in a single heat that attracted a mixed field of junior and senior men, and one lady. As I lined up, I realised that some pretty speedy young men had decided that this would be a great opener for their seasons. I was already reconciled to being towards the back of the field, but identified my own battles – with a couple of the other vets, with Ciaran, and versus my time of 10:35 from the same event in 2018.

For those who don’t know, the Linesy sub-text to all of this is the countdown to the (inevitable) moment when Ciaran (who will turn 16 in July) gets officially faster than his old man. He’s been getting very close in recent months, but hasn’t quite managed that at 5K or other longer distances. In the immediate lead up to Sunday’s race, I predicted to a few folk that this could be the moment, but I was determined that Ciaran would have to work hard for it.

Back to the race. We set off and I kept close order with Ciaran…for about 200m. Then he scampered off up the track with a group and I was detached. I ran most of the race in splendid isolation, some way behind Ciaran and several young whippersnappers, but ahead of a few of the other older runners. My hope was that Ciaran had gone off far too fast and that I would gradually make ground on him. It didn’t happen and while seven and a half laps can feel like a long way, it’s not really, so there’s not a great deal of time to claw back a significant gap. The overall winner of the race was New Marske’s Dean Newton (in a rapid time of 8:52), who I am relieved to admit was the only person who lapped me. I crossed the line in 10:24, 11 seconds faster than at the same event last year (but a little behind my PB of 10:16). I don’t think that I could have gone any quicker on the day.

As for Ciaran, well he was a minute faster than last year, finishing in 9:58, so not only did he comfortably beat me, but he also blitzed my PB. I call that pretty definitive. I am genuinely delighted for him (really!). I’m also glad that he’s had to work hard to get ahead of me in the Lines pecking order at one distance, because that’s how it should be, and I will now redouble my efforts to stay ahead of him at other distances. ?

Finally, once again, I highly recommend that junior and senior Harriers have a go at track and field. It’s fun, competitive, accessible, and can definitely help you improve in other aspects of your athletics. You can find full details of the NYSD series here and there’s also a well established series for veterans called the North East Masters – full details here. If you really want to challenge yourself (and put yourself ‘out there’), there’s also the NECAA North East Track and Field Championships on 11th and 12th May – see details here.

The results from this year’s Kieran Maxwell Memorial Open can be found at www.kieranmaxwellopen.co.uk.

Thanks to Karen Harland (Dean Newton’s mum) for the photos.

Chris Lines.

 

Mother’s Day 10k is part of the Lancaster Race Series and has been a firm favourite in Lancaster for many years. This race attracts many runners from Lancaster and Morecambe but also runners from as far afield as Surrey. Surprisingly, this race is totally flat which is a novelty for Lancaster as there are hills everywhere especially at parkrun.

Starting at the George & Dragon Pub, Lancaster Quay and heading towards Morecambe; this route is a simple out and back course on the cycle paths next to the River Lune. Due to the flat elevation, it is ideal for a fast time.

So, the start time was nearing, and I was getting my usual pre-race nerves, there was a short walk to the start (5 minutes) and then the race began. My first mile was very fast due to starting quite close to the front and this led to a new mile PB for me of 7:39. However, me being me, I decided that I could keep this pace going for the whole race!! As many of you know, I always set off a lot faster than I should. The run followed the cycle path and crossed the Lune Millennium Bridge which was lovely.

The halfway and turn around point was close, and my watch clocked 5k at 24:37 which was also a PB. However, after the halfway point, I started to flag! Luckily, one of my best friends (Alice) managed to catch me up and we both decided to stick with each other and help each other finish. As the race progressed, we both realised that sub 50 minutes for the 10k was achievable. Around 8km we decided we could do it. We went over the bridge for the final time and I knew it was going to be very close, but we could do it.

My final time was 49:56 which was a PB and I was very emotional on the line. Both Alice and I managed it which I didn’t think would be possible this early in the season. This is probably only one of the only times I have been emotional on a finish line. We were handed our medal, chocolate and water, then the celebrations began!

This was my first race in the Lancaster Race Series, and I would 100% recommend this particular race to anyone as it was well organised with a variety of prizes including a slow cooker and waffle maker (useful for students)!

Race Results: https://www.runbritainrankings.com/results/results.aspx?meetingid=284723

By Georgina Letts

I only started running 5km at Sedgefield Parkrun last August and liked the idea of trying different 5kms.

I had been taking part in the junior series for quite a few years which was 2km but they stopped doing the junior races this season.

The series took place between October – March. There were six races in total, two at Tess Barrage, and one each at Cowpen Bewley, Preston Park, Wynyard Woods and Ropner Park. I did all of them apart from Preston Park (which was a shame as this was the one where they gave out selection boxes!). Each of the venues was completely different. Tees Barrage was pretty flat, Cowpen Bewley was the other extreme and has a big hill and is always very muddy! I enjoyed Wynyard as I liked running through the woods but there was a section where you have to run up a lot of steps….I ran up them but a lot of people were walking up them! Ropner Park was the last one of the series and was more like a more parkrun as all on path instead of trail. Although it was a nice lap of the park I didn’t really enjoy doing the same lap 3 times.

This series was mostly adults but I did enjoy doing it. It was well organised and everyone was really friendly to me and adults often came up to me after the race to shake my hand and say well done….even the ones who were trying to beat me at the finish. One man said he was pleased he had overtaken me only for me to sprint past him at the finish! I would recommend this series to other juniors as this year I think there was only me and David Edwards taking part.

By Thomas Rowe

Editor’s note. Thomas is extremely modest about his running, as evidenced by his excellent results, such as here at Ropner: https://events.stockton.gov.uk/media/1997/ropner-park-results-2019.pdf

2019 Trail Outlaws Dark Skies Marathon is one big loop around the stunning Kielder reservoir. The course is mainly on gravel paths with plenty of ups and downs that last the whole loop. The only flat bit I can remember is the dam. The forecast was promising, and we had our fingers crossed for the Aurora Borealis making an appearance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be so no light show on the night, but the conditions were perfect for running so I won’t grumble.

Ray was kind enough to drive again and we had some company this time from fellow Harrier Lisa Darby and Catriona Miller Frampton. The journey went well apart form no coffee stop and Ray getting the start time muddled up with Sunday’s race, so we arrived 1 hour late! I was very stressed… Luckily though we allowed enough time and made it to registration in time. To be fair to Ray I should have paid attention to the start time myself instead of letting him sort it all out… I had my usual several trips to the loo, sorted my bag out and headed to the start. I chatted with a few friends and Garry Scott did the race brief. There was a bit of controversy the day before with some runners ditching kit. I know it’s a safe, well marked trail and it’s not the longest of events and the weather was okay, but why go against the rules? They got disqualified so hopefully it won’t happen again.

I was treating this run as a long hard training run. My training plan said to do some miles at my goal marathon pace, but the bulk of it easy. Kielder is lumpy, so I don’t think I did anything at goal marathon pace, but plenty of the miles were run at marathon effort. Also, the easy never felt that easy… Saying that, I ran the following week as normal so overall, I gauged the effort right.

The race started at a quick pace and the runner who eventually won the race was out of sight very early on. I could see 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th for about 5 miles, but 2^nd and 3^rd vanished after that too. I did manage to catch 4^th up, but he caught me back when I stopped for the loo. I was really surprised to be so near the front with this being a training run and it was hard not getting wrapped up in the event. I just kept telling myself I’m training for London, I’m training for London!

Even though it was quite lonely running I found the miles passed easy. It’s a lovely trail with lots to see and some great sculptures on route so my mind was constantly occupied. Also, when the sun went down you could see the headtorches from the other runners. I never get bored of sights like this and I never get bored with being outside too.

I opted for the high-tech nutrition approach of 12 month out of date mountain fuel and half a bag of jelly babies. I’m still sticking to the mindset of we don’t need all the expensive nutrition that we consume before, during and after a run. I’ll run important races with gels, but everything else comes from whatever is kicking around in the cupboards. Luckily for me, out of date mountain fuel goes down and more importantly stays down.

I found it easier running in the dark. I couldn’t see the hills and I had no concept of how long was left to go before we reached the top of a climb. This just allowed you to run completely in the moment. I always kept a check on my heart rate. This kept me from slacking off and pushing too hard.

Getting to the dam was brilliant and it felt like I was on the home straight after that. It was great to see this checkpoint as I approached in the dark. I didn’t stop at any checkpoint, but it’s always a welcome sight and a boost so I’m really grateful for these people giving up their evening. I imagine quite a few of them gave up Friday, Saturday and Sunday!! Big shout out to Graham Darby for giving up most of his Saturday so we could run around the reservoir.

I did slow down quite a bit after the dam, but my heart rate was consistent, so I was happy to just go with the flow. On reflection it was a lonely run for me, but I never felt bored or the need to reduce my effort. I wished for a headlight to appear in the distance to give me something to aim for, I wished for the finish to come sooner too, but these are all natural when the race is in its final stages. I can’t get enough of running around our capital, but as soon as I see Big Ben, I’m begging for the finish line. Well, eventually the finish line did appear, and it was like running into a Christmas grotto. Loads of lights lighting up the route made for a lovely finish. More smiling and helpful marshals and a great medal.

I spent the last 2 hours thinking about the food I’d ordered so I quickly thanked everyone, found my bag and tucked into a big plate of chilli! It was canny, but the Victoria sponge cake was amazing. Perfect with a cuppa!

The room soon filled up with runners and before I knew it, Lisa Darby, Catriona and Ray finished. It looked like pretty much everyone had an enjoyable evening. Ray loved it so much he went back the next day for more hills. Would I go back again? Yes, 100%. I loved the route, atmosphere and I had a great run so why not. I came 4^th in the end and 1^st V40 male. I was over the moon with my award and it sits pride of place on my fire place at home.

Trail Outlaws put on slick events and everything seemed to run like clockwork. I have marshalled for them before, so I have seen it from the other side of the fence too and they really know what they are doing.

I’d do this race again without hesitation. I could even have my arm twisted to do all three of them!

Thanks again to Ray for driving. It’s my turn to drive this weekend as we head to Manchester for what will be hopefully marathon number 91.

I’m trying to reach my 100^th marathon this year and hopefully I’ll raise a few quid along the way. I have been blown away with people’s generosity. If you would like to support me then pop over to Virgin Money Giving and give what you can.

 

By Gary Thwaites.

 

https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GaryThwaites1

 

Results: https://darkskiesrun.com/dark-skies-kielder-results-2019.php