Tara Sinha, Emma Hyland and Racheal Hornigold completed the South Downs Way Marathon in 5hour 19 closely followed by Tanya Edmondson in 5hour 28. It is a tough off road Marathon (can't think any of it
is flat) so well done. There are some pictures which I will get on the site when I get chance but may not be until the weekend
From the runners:
This trail marathon is organised by 2:09 Events – it was well organised and a very enjoyable day! This marathon starts and finishes in 2 different places, you park at the finish and you are bussed to the start, the start was staggered with the ‘slower’ (I do dislike this word!!) runners going out first, I can understand why this was done, but it must have been frustrating for the ‘faster’ runners coming through as they had to try and pass us on sometimes very narrow paths, there were a few tuts and groans on the way round!! The South Downs are beautiful and we saw some amazing views, the route was mainly trial – with some very big hills, with spectacular views, views that good we stopped for a photo session! We were very lucky with the weather, the sun shone all the way, the finish was in the Country park, there was a couple of places selling sports clothing, and a snack van – the promise of a burger at the finish (Tara had already told us of the ‘snack wagon’) was a great way to get through to the end, there was also a drinks and cake stand – so something for everyone, Tanya, Tara, Rach and I were trying to decided which was a better marathon Beachy Head or South Downs?? I think they are both very similar, the one thing that IS better at Beachy is there are more areas for spectators, the South Downs did not have a lot of chances for supporter to watch – but at the points that were accessible the crowds were great – especially Ray!!
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