Yorkshire marathon 14th October by Rosemary Norris
This is a fairly new event, now in its sixth year, and it includes a 10 mile road race.
I have run a marathon before but the last one was over 4 years ago and I had serious doubts that I could run another one! Since I have never run a marathon in England I selected York – I lived there for a year and it is a great city.
The marathon starts at the university, but a shuttle bus runs from York train station and it works well. The route is then in to York, past the Minster and out through country roads and villages and back to the university. There are some undulations but no really big hills until the last 1km!
Despite torrential rain the support from the Yorkshire folk and volunteers was brilliant. I think with better weather conditions it would have been even better. There were water stations every 3 miles plus energy gels and energy drinks.
I found the first 13 miles good, but after high-fiving my husband at Stamford Bridge (mile 14) I got cold and stiff and slowed considerably for the second half. However I finished (goal complete) without walking and apart from some serious chafing – I should have worn a jacket – intact.
The goody bag was excellent – plenty of food, water, a protein drink, good T-shirt and a nice medal.
If anyone fancies a relatively flat marathon in a wonderful city with some good Yorkshire banter I would thoroughly recommend this race. However the date does appear to clash with Leicester!
