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New Hampshire Marathon, Saturday 30^th September 2006

Miles Cudmore reports:

I had surfed the web to find this gem of a race which fitted my schedule wonderfully between meetings in Boston the previous week, and New York afterwards. With only 230 finishers, it is a small but enthusiastically supported event, with as many volunteers as runners. It is based out of the small town of Bristol and communities around Newfound lake, nestled in glorious countryside South West of the White Mountains.

The pasta party was held in the local Masonic lodge, and was packed. Veronica’s venison sauce competed with Belinda’s bolognaise and Valerie’s vegetable mix, followed by Petuna’s pecan pie, Claire’s cookies and Bridget’s brownies. Many runners were part of the 50 states club, and were using the weekend to bag two states by competing in the Oregon marathon the following day. Totally nuts.

At 7:30 am, I walked out the door into the fresh clear skies … and had to scrape ice of the windscreen. The race started at the high school in the small town of Bristol. Many people had turned out, and with a 10 k starting at the same time the pace was brisk. I started gently, and settled into a comfortable rhythm of 7:20 minute miling, gradually overtaking people, and soon only a 2 or 3 runners could be seen.

The scenery was stunning, with trees turning from green to a spectacular array of rich autumnal golds, reds, ambers and oranges, and a lake alongside.

The route undulated uphill along roads to Newfound lake, and continued through the communities along its shores. Picture postcard houses appeared at every turn, with their painted shutterboard sides and distinct New England style. Waterstops were every two miles, and the first was manned by the local Veterans in uniform with the banners, with bugles. Many people came out to watch and support, and were tremendously friendly.

At 8 miles, we reached the end of the lake and headed up and down some steep inclines before a beautiful out and back loop to the half way point. The village of Hebron was at a key junction, with picturesque white houses and a white church …. and masses of supporters. I reached half way in 1:37:09 and held the same pace to 18 miles. At this point we started to come back along the lake, hitting a series of small hills which sapped the energy. I slowed to 7:45 minute miles, and then at the 23 – 25 mile point slowed further.

On returning to Bristol, I decided to overtake the person ahead and lifted the pace through to the finish, securing a time of 3:19:59 and 15^th place.

This was far better than planned for running at a relatively comfortable effort level, particularly given the 800 to 1000 ft of rise and fall over the route. The finish was amazing, free food (including pizza !) for all, a band, and an army of sports masseurs in a carnival atmosphere.

If you are in the USA, I recommend looking out for a small country event like this – the welcome you will get is amazing.

Abingdon Marathon, Sunday 22^nd October 2006

The weather forecast leading up to the race was grim, with gales and driving rain set to sweep up from the South. But sometimes miracles happen, and by race morning it became clear that we would running in a lull between the storms. We ended up with cool overcast skies, little wind and only a little rain mid race – perfect !

The race is based in Tilsey Park sports ground, a fantastic location complete with a grandstand, good changing facilities and plenty of space. We started on the track, and then headed out into the countryside along roads.

The course does a series of loops out into different parts of the countryside, and back into town – going through the picturesque centre twice, and over the Thames several times too. It is very flat, and the traffic was not too much of a problem.

My race went well. Sarah Gee (ex Windle) and I decided to head out at 7:15 pace …. but quickly settled into 7:00 min/mile instead. This was a tad quick for me, but it did not feel too uncomfortable and I was able to keep chatting and cracking bad jokes for the first half which went by in 1:31:47.

After 16 miles of this pace, discomfort grew and I dropped to 7:30s. The last 4 miles were tough – there is a big loop away from support in open country before you head back to the athletics ground. The second half of 01:40:05 showed the slowing in the last 10 miles, but I was delighted to secure a new PB.

Richard Gurd flew round the course in a fantastic time, and Sarah Gee won all sorts of prizes including
1^st Masters for her age group.

Kevin Pedley did really well on his first marathon outing for many years, cracking 4 hours with real
determination after feeling none to good in the closing miles.

With 681 finishers and a great course, it is a fantastic autumn event. Try it ! ,

Runner	Time
Richard Gurd	02:51:31
Miles Cudmore	03:11:52 (PB)
Kevin Pedley	03:56:57