On Sunday 15th October the sole representative in the Yorkshire marathon from Grantham was Chris Limmer. In its 10th year the race started at the university before passing through the historic centre and out towards Stamford Bridge and then back. Attracting all sorts of runners, the event has raised over £7 million for charities in the last decade.
Chris’ running had changed somewhat since his last marathon 18 months ago having become a dad and the limited time that teaching full time affords. That combination of less sleep and fewer miles run in training meant he went in with little expectation about just how he would cope with the demands of racing over 26.2 miles.
He started steadily taking in the sights and sounds of the famous cobbled streets and the cathedral. Having passed through halfway in 1hr 39 he slowed slightly as the route headed back towards York.
A headwind and the usual aches and pains that come from 2 hours of running slowed him slightly but didn’t stop Chris’ enjoyment of the race at the crowds swelled to being several deep around the 30km mark. His novelty drumstick running vest proving a hit with the spectators whose cheering and good will helped numb the feeling of fatigue.
The last few miles were the slowest of his entire race, but Chris managed to cross the line in 3:21:32 and 614th out of 4451 and rather content with his efforts and full of praise for the well organized and friendly event.