I did promise that I would write a report for the website for my latest event, but I am at risk of repeating myself as I have previously written a run report that can still be read…
Birmingham Canal Canter – 19.08.17
So instead I thought a simple bullet pointed High and Low Lights list would suffice!
- * A close to home and still cheap marathon (£25)
- Generous cut-off time 9hrs… actually a walking event but has Challenge entry so runners are allowed and counts for 100 marathon club.
- * Good directions – if you remember to print them! Failing that, follow the people ahead of you and rely on Garmin navigation! It obviously worked as we got back!
- * 5 excellent control points – breakfast at Ackers, Elevensies under Spaghetti Junction, Lunch at Winston Green Prison, Pudding at 19 miles, Fizzy Drinks, crisps and fruit at Gulliotine Lock! Probably the only marathon where you can easily gain weight from the sustenance at each stop. Just remember two things… your own mug/cup and don’t eat too much! As it is really difficult to restart running if you do! [Will I ever learn?]
- * Toilets… or lack of! Ackers no problem but after that the Control Points are pop up gazebos by canals (weird that, given it is called a canal canter!) However, if you are sneaky… there are pubs in the City Centre you could quickly pop into unseen or at 21 miles you pass a station 134 Steps later and relief… For reference there was a lift – I just wasn’t allowed to use it by my running buddy!
- * Ice creams… watch out for the narrow boat cafe for coffee and a twister ice lolly (only £1.50! BARGAIN!) Also there is a One Stop near the end (as you can’t go in the tunnel, you go over!). Just make sure a confused runner doesn’t follow you!
- * Post Run… A meal at Moseley Rugby – as if you needed more food (and a cake competition!) and lovely cup of tea!
- * No medal – not that I ever really want a medal anyway but… a certificate and a SEW ON PATCH!
This is a great event and one that is in our calendar for next year, it would be great to have a few more Massey Runners taking part.