Two members of Grantham Running Club travelled up to Chester to take part in the only marathon that spans both England and Wales.
Prolific marathon runner Caroline Davis didn’t feel too positive on the start line. After a hot summer where running any distance seemed too much, somewhere in Caroline’s psyche was the need to sabotage her preparation by fracturing her arm and having to training. Added to the slightly undesirable mix was the remainder of Storm Amy.
After spending the day in Manchester watching the storm and rain in Chester, Caroline found she was very overdressed and that apart from a few parts of the course which were open to the elements, the majority of the run was in sunshine. Having run the event 2017, there was a noticeable increase in supporters in the villages and entertainment brought in to keep the runners motivated.
All went well until mile 10 when feet, hips and glutes all became painful and no amount of painkillers was going to dull the pain. When combined with too many clothing layers, it was a long 16 miles to the finish line. It was heartening to see Chester approaching at 23 miles and Caroline managed to run up the first hill towards the city centre, only to find another hill.
For Caroline the last mile seemed to go on forever with every little turn showing no sign of the finish line until it eventually came into sight by the river.
Relieved to finish, Caroline likened the feeling as close to how she felt finishing 100 miles but without the additional tiredness. She was a little disappointed in her time of 4:21:16 but it was another marathon completed
GRC’s other runner, Gav Potter had a slightly different outlook, on his first trip to the city. He loved the start of the race, heading through the city under the famous clock bridge.
Enjoying the crowds in the city and villages who were a welcome sight as the route took them across the city into Wales, accompanied by testing winds.
Heading out the city across into Wales was very unique, with testing winds especially just after half way. He also was taken by surprise by the hills on re-entering the city but revelled in the last mile along the river, buoyed up by the great crowds. He finished in a brilliant 2:55:44 and 173rd position out of 4902 runners.
Report c/o Caroline and Gav
Pics c/o Runthrough