Race report by Dave Phillips
All I can say (as I do every year) that this is probably the best organised half in the UK BUT it is BRUTAL. The Chiltern Hills may not seem to severe as you drive down the M40 with the Red Kites soaring above but try running up and down them.
The start is in the town but very soon climb one starts and this goes on for 2 miles. Then a lot of ups and downs ‘till 5 when we are on top of the Chilterns but what a killer of a start. At around 3+ the split came and loads of the runners turned left for the 7 miler so that left me on my own-well almost. Then more hills up and down to 6 and then a real crippler for ever upwards to almost 8.
Lovely signs on the road en route with these 3 that I remembered
It’s only a hill-you’ll soon get over it.
Smile – you did pay for this event.
Use your imagination and think it’s flat.
Sweat is your fat cooking.
The marshals were superb, friendly and encouraged us all the time so well done Marlow Striders. Plus most of the roads and lanes were traffic free-probably because the cars couldn’t get up those hills!
8 to 10 was flattish and again in stunning countryside with huge views, hills and valleys galore and beautiful wooded lanes to jog along. Then at 10 the last uphill struggle came along until 11 when we were again on the top but it was downhill (well sort of) to the finish at the Marlow sports ground.
Was I glad to finish! A real crippler so I guess I’ll be back for the umpteenth time next year.
Super T shirt (long sleeved as always) medal and goodie bag made it all worth-while I guess.
So Snowdonia full last week then the toughest half this week but at least the cross country league 1st race next week is flattish.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 3.05. (My 354th Half so getting there along with the 498 fulls). But not too sure where “there “ is.
Hill Rep Training for main group on Wed-I’m in charge so beware!