Hi all
Last Sunday 2 harriers ventured down to Portsmouth for the Portsmouth Coastal Waterside Marathon.It was a tad fresh, the fact that we both almost went over on the icy pavement prior to getting to the race HQ says something of the conditions we would be facing. The race has an early start of 8.30 (although these of us used to Saxons starts thought that was a positive lay-in).
It was a wrap-up warm marathon, as in freezing conditions we hit the sea front – the race goes all the way along the coast and is mostly trail, with a long stretch going over the beach (hence the early start to avoid the tide and a 6 hour cut off, as otherwise you might be paddling back) – but we were well looked after on the beach by enthusiastic marshals and the RNLI.
I can only describe the scenery as absolutely stunning, it started as one of these beautiful, bright, freezing winter days, it unfortunately finished as one of these rainy winter days, but on the positive it did not start raining till the last hour, and it did mean I got to wear every layer of clothing, and was so cold that I had a big woolly hat, buff over my head + my waterproof hood up, must have looked quite funny all these people wrapped up running/shuffling along the coastal path.
Although when I say ‘run’ it was more a slid, slide, glide across the mud. Really would have been better to wear trail shoes, but hindsight is a wonderful thing!.But all that said was a fabulous race and would totally recommend, great marshals, great scenery, everyone really friendly – well worth a x-mas trip to Portsmouth. Added bonus is that Portsmouth has great shopping (my support crew did not necessary appreciate this), and a trip up the Spinnaker Tower was well worth it – as fab views all around Portsmouth.
Amanda Paver: 05:21:35
Deborah Stamp: 05:31:19
Cheers Amanda