1908 Olympics Centenary Marathon - Thursday, 24th July 2008

The aims of the Club are:

2 To maintain a database of marathon statistics relating to members’ achievements.

3 To promote and organise various marathon challenges for members.

4 To assist members to enter races of marathon distance and longer, individually and collectively.

5 To share knowledge and experience and encourage newcomers to the sport of marathon running.

6 To assist the organisers of road marathons in the British Isles by providing constructive feedback.

Colin Poole – Kit

Dave King

1. Chairman’s Comments

The club is very active, and just keeping up with all the new members has taken up quite a bit of time. We know who all our members are, but whether they have paid their 2008 subs, has been harder to track down. So a first appeal, if you know that you have not paid your subs, please get them to us asap. I think we need to review subs, as it’s a bit complicated, which doesn’t help. Expect a recommendation at the AGM.

I did manage to get away from this to finally update the club statistics. This has prompted a flurry of new stats from members. Dave Major has promised to help with the individual results, but of course I bombarded him with 100’s of results, so it will be a little longer before these are online.

From the committee perspective, Selina has taken on the role of Membership Secretary. I think we more or less have the information correct, just the subs to sort. We also co-opted Colin Poole (Kit) and Dave King (AGM Marathon) onto the committee, to spread the load.

It’s always going to be easier to send emails to members than hardcopy. It’s just too much work to get a level playing field as far as communications goes. If you are receiving this as hardcopy, rather than email, then I implore you to try and find a friend/neighbour/son/daughter or anybody who was prepared to pass email onto you.

The newsletter still remains virtually exclusive amongst the committee, with virtually nothing from the general membership. While it is obviously too late for this newsletter, try to think what you could supply for publication. Photos are now going up much quicker, thanks to Gina and non-member Dave Farthing, but again these come from a very narrow band of members.

As you can see, the newsletter has found it’s way to my fingers again. If there is someone out there with literary talents, perhaps they might like to take on the job.

Please remember that the newsletter is for your benefit. We need to have your views on how the club is being run and how you think it could be improved. We need your suggestions on the sort of activities that we could organise in the future. Above all it would be nice to receive some race reports and articles from members outside the Committee for inclusion in the newsletter. So don’t be shy. Please submit something for publication sooner rather than later.

Regards
Roger Biggs
Chairman

1) Is an event a marathon?

There are going to be times when an event is not sanctioned. If this is the case, it is because the committee does not think that the event meets the criteria approved by the members. I believe we have quite generous rules. If we let these slip, it would devalue the essence of the Club. We accept all events that meet the criteria from 26 miles upwards. If the event is 26 miles and less than 27 miles, then it is classified as a marathon. 27 miles or above is an ultra.

Yes, we know that the ultra community think an ultra is 30 miles or more, but we are a marathon club. To be classified as ‘road’, it should be predominantly road, and the true marathon distance of 26m 385y. Anything else is a trail marathon. The only event on the calendar that breaks this rule is the ‘White Peak Marathon’. This event has a permit and the trail is pretty much perfect running.

Please be aware that these rules apply to what is shown on the Club Statistics. While of course we would rather members kept in line with the rules, what a member counts outside of this environment, is there affair.

This perpetual trophy will go to the member who completed the most road marathons in the UK and Ireland during 2008. The winner gets to keep the Shield for one year, and also receives a small trophy to keep, as do the runners-up.

For the purposes of this competition those that completed the 10 Windermere marathons may count 3.

The first 5 in the competition will be recognised, plus 1 extra if all of the 1^st 5 are of the same gender.

As per 2007, anyone competing in the Windermere marathons (Brathay Challenge) in 2008 can count 3 of the 10 marathons in the Challenge competition. For the record, only Belfast counts for those who did the N.Ireland 6 in 6 days!

3) 2008 Photo Competition

On a fairly regular basis (there are not enough photos to do this every month) a ‘photo of the Month’ is chosen and posted accordingly on the website. The committee will select a ‘photo of the year’ from these. The winner will receive a framed copy of the winning photo..

The photo must have been personally taken by a member, not a bought photo.

1) 1908 Olympic Centenary Marathon – took place on Thursday, 24th July 2008

Thanks to Tad for a great and historic event. Maybe not the most interesting course, but if you have worn a better bib number or received a better medal, I’d like to know about it.

2) The Winter Challenge – will take place on Sunday, 21^st December 2008

This is basically a low key version of the popular ‘Fairlands Valley Challenge’. Entrants will have the use of the Scout Hut at the Lakes in Stevenage. A map and instructions will be provided, and one drink station towards halfway.

THERE IS A STRICT 40 LIMIT for members only. Guests will only be allowed if this limit is not reached.

Either send in the form, or contact me by phone or email to secure your place.

In also need at least one volunteer for halfway drinks and to put the kettle on at the finish.

3) The 2008 AGM & Handicap Marathon – will take place on Sunday, 4^th January 2009

The AGM and Handicap Marathon will for the 3^rd time be held together. This time we are moving south of the Thames.

As per the previous two, we will hold the AGM following the marathon, as soon as all runners have finished.

Basic details are shown below. An entry form will follow within a month.

Apart from individual results, the website is reasonably up-to-date. If of course you spot any errors/omissions/broken links, then do let me know.

One thing that hasn’t really worked is the Forum. Perhaps this might if someone was prepared to help take this forward. The ‘forum’ can still be accessed from its own button on the left. You will need to key a user-id and passport. To start with this will be the same for all. This is intended to be a members’ only section, so please do not pass on the details to non members. User id: 100Clubber, password: Alaska - both are case sensitive!! Obviously we would appreciate if comments are appropriate, non-offensive and clean!

If you are just browsing our website, then do start by clicking on the "whats new" new button on the left. This tells you exactly what it says on the tin!

In overall terms the 2 things I use all the time are the foreign marathon links, accessed via the ‘links’ button, and the UK marathon list, accessed via the ‘events’ button. The foreign marathons are split geographically into 3 regions and kept in date sequence within each region. The UK list includes all the marathons in the competition plus any of the trail marathons that meet the rules. If it’s not on the list, it may not count, so do check with us.

I’ve come up with the idea of linking a photo of members to the Alphabetical list. Just passport size or similar. I haven’t worked out the technical implications yet, but just wanted to get an idea of what people think.

A 100 Marathon Club medal is available to all members who attain full membership. This is a package that includes the items below. New members will be expected to purchase the whole package for £25, while existing full members can upgrade and pay according to what they have.

The prices are: £25.00 - New full member package (total of figures below)

£4.50 - New Medal Centre, £8.50 - 87mm medal, £3.50 – ‘100’ Pin **, £5.00 - Medal Box,

£3.50 – Engraving.

The standard engraving is:

"Congratulations
Member Name
100 Marathons
Somewhere Marathon
Date"

We also have pins from ‘200’ thru to ‘600’, which may be purchased at £3.50 (+50p postage if required), but only after a list has been vetted.

If anyone would like the medal package, especially if they would like it presented at their 100^th, please give us plenty of notice.

Don’t forget that all the contact email addresses have a purpose, so do use them. Using the addresses below gives you a better chance of getting through to the correct person, especially when I’m not around.

As previously stated, in most cases the recipient will reply from his/her personal email, but that’s fine, as you have now made contact with the appropriate person.

At the time of going to press I had received lists from 176 members, out of a total of 212 members.

While I may pick up results from the Internet, it is your responsibility to keep use up-to-date after I’ve had the original lists. This is why I encourage spreadsheets, so that you can just add new races on the bottom and re-send. If this is not for you, telephone; text; bits of paper; anything will do.

(The website also contains lists in numerical order for road, road & trail, road, trail & ultras)

These are the members who have broken through the 100 barrier since the last publication in June 2007, followed by those coming up that have notified me.

If anyone would like the medal package, especially if they would like it presented at their 100^th, please give us plenty of notice.

(Medal package details are shown in the section 5 above)

Other milestones achieved since June 2007

I suspect there must be a few more milestones out there!

On 3^rd July 2008 I ran my local club’s seven mile road race league event. At the finish my hamstring was tight, but I considered that with a bit of ice and massage treatment I’d be able to run the Birmingham and Black Country Half Marathon on the 5^th July provided I ran it at a sensible pace. After all, I was able to walk normally. I duly drove to Wolverhampton, parked in the station car park and picked up my race number. This race runs alongside canals. It starts in Wolverhampton and finishes in Birmingham. The first mile went well and I was just beginning to enjoy the scenery when my hamstring started to tighten up. I managed to run for another mile before it became evident that I couldn’t complete the run so I decided to walk to the first water stop and seek assistance. There was no point in returning to the start line as my baggage had been transported to the finish line in Birmingham. At the water stop it became evident that nobody knew how to contact the first aiders and so a marshal directed me to the nearby train station. Once in Birmingham I collected my bag and returned rather sheepishly to Wolverhampton to collect my car. The one consolation, I thought, was that I’d stopped to walk before I’d done any damage.

My next scheduled race was The Fairlands Valley Challenge on 20^th July. I was still walking without any problem and had had both a massage and a session with my Osteopath before this race. I’d also had a couple of experimental runs around my local park, which had gone well. In addition a film documentary company had contacted me to see if they could interview me at home before the race and then film me at various stages around the course and I’d also agreed to run round with Collette O’Hagan, who was coming over from Dundalk to do the Challenge. So why would I want to make the common sense decision to pull out of this event? I was going to run it and, of course, I’d be fine.

Naturally, it came as a great surprise when I got about 2 miles into the run and my hamstring pulled again. I ended up walking the remaining 24 miles. And have I learned my lesson? Probably not, but only time will tell.

LIVING MAKES YOU RUN LONGER by MARTIN BULGER

In one section of his book Martin Bulger explores the different reasons why people run. The answer is that there are many and varied reasons. Indeed, a further question might be why so many of us continue to run even in circumstances when our brains tell us that we shouldn’t. At least, after watching the 2 olympic marathon races it is good to see that even Radcliffe and Baldini chose to run their respective events shortly after sustaining serious injuries. We may be crazy, but we are in good company.

The main charm of Martin’s book for me is that it contains accounts of many of the smaller marathons that so many of us in the hundred club have run so frequently. Whereas most books on running concentrate on the major marathons Martin gives just as much prominence to the Neolithic, Three Forts, Beachy Head, Steyning Stinger and Isle of Wight marathons. It is about time that someone trumpeted the glories of these lesser-known events.

It is evident as you turn the pages of this book that Martin loves running and is determined to communicate his enthusiasm to all who will listen. There are many books that tackle the subject of running in a very dry manner, but this book approaches the subject with humour and I found it an entertaining (and often thought provoking) read.

The kit available at present through Colin Poole as follows

T-Shirts : XL / L / M . S at a cost of £ 20.00 each

Vests : XXL / XL / L / M / M [L] / S at a cost of £ 17.50 each

Sweat Shirts : M / L at a cost of £ 22.00 each

White Jackets : XL / L / M / S at a cost of £ 8.00 each

Caps [ universal size / expandable ] at a cost of £ 5.50 each

Presently looking at " Sew on Badges " of the 100 Marathon Club Logo to attach to first claim vests showing affiliation to both clubs

Looking at weatherproof jackets with the 100 Marathon Club logo on the front

We do not stock any more the " fleece " jackets but would be interested to know from the members if they would like fleece jackets to be made available

To date no investigation into shorts with the blue background and yellow stripe on the side – are members interested in this addition to the kit

If any of the above items are ordered and have to be posted to the recipients then a postal charge will occur – costs can be advised by Colin Poole for single and multiple items

All requests and orders for kit MUST be placed by either E-mail or letter, phone orders cannot be accepted

Colin Poole
100 Marathon Club
Kit Manager

13.England Athletics – Roger Biggs

England Athletics (EA) have introduced a registration system on top of the Club System. It was probably meant to replace it, until ARC came along to put pressure on the Athletic Authorities. That said, you will now see events appearing, (Luton is one example), that are asking for a registration number, which appears on the EA Competition Licence. Even if you are a member of a club affiliated to EA, if you don’t apply for a competition licence, then you are unaffiliated for any race organised under the EA banner. For the moment, this does not apply to ARC events, where you merely enter your club name.

For those of us who travel abroad, especially to Italy, the EA licence is accepted in place of a medical certificate. I know, when have you ever been asked for either, but you take the risk if you haven’t.

Are you with it so far? Well, the 100 Club got in early, and a few of us (I was naughty and applied under the 100 Club and FVS), managed to get cards. EA have now got themselves in a right mess, and have stopped issung cards while they sort out technical problems. We have registered online, all those who have so far applied through us, and are now waiting for something to happen. Don’t hold your breath!

For the moment I can’t see how EA races can enforce the new rules, so I guess it’s just wait and see what happens. In the meantime, if you are travelling abroad, especially to France, you will probably need to take a medical certificate with you.

**********************************************************************

A brief preamble….

I ran my first marathon at London in 1995 with the intention of just running the one marathon but I enjoyed it so much I decided to have another go. In 1996 I ran my 2^nd marathon then upped it to 7 marathons in 1997, 13 marathons in 1998…you can see the marathon addiction was getting stronger, peaking at 25 marathons and ultras in 2002 and in 2003 I completed my 100^th marathon.

Let’s skip forward to 2007, and running a marathon at Enfield in May with a friend of mine Sue, we discussed the first 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge that had just been completed by 7 men. Sue and I agreed that it was a shame that no women had taken part in the Challenge and perhaps we should consider putting that right. A week later after running Cork marathon, we adjourned to the nearest pub to the finish line and supping a well earned Guinness, I found myself sitting next to one of the guys that had completed the Challenge. I grilled him for details and thought ‘Maybe I could do this too’, so on arriving home I emailed the charity that holds the event and put my name on the list.

How do you train for 10 marathons…the truth is I don’t really know, I’ve done a couple of triples, several 12 hour and a couple of 24 hour track races, but this was different. So I just did my normal winter training peaking at 100mpw over the Xmas period but averaging 70mpw the rest of the time. Training went well and all was going to plan until the Duchy Marathon in March when I sprained my ankle badly, it was touch and go whether I would even make the start line at Windermere on 9^th May as I lost 7 weeks training, missed several marathons and a 12 hour race in that period. I needed to test my ankle in a marathon so ran Lochaber at the end of April and managed to finish pain free in 4.59. Everything was in place now, I’d reached my sponsorship target set by the charity of £2,000, thank you everyone that sponsored me.

7^th May – It took me nearly all day to pack and load the car; I had so much kit…thanks to Asics who sponsored us with over £600 worth of running kit. I finally set off for my Travelodge at Knutsford in Cheshire, checked the AA route, 235 miles to drive today, just had a wobbly moment realising that I would have to run in excess of the distance over the next few days…eek!

8^th May – Day Zero - Arrived at Brathay Hall near Ambleside, it’s a beautiful place with a stunning view across Lake Windermere. Met my fellow runners, 11 of us in total, 3 women and 8 men, during the Challenge we were being housed in a large lodge in the woods, not sure how I’ll cope with the communal living but most of us have our own rooms.   All our food is being provided for us, we have to prepare our own breakfast but lunch and dinner every day is in the dining room at Brathay Hall. Have been driven round the course, not flat but really stunning scenery and we’re all a bit nervous and just want to get out there and run.
After an excellent dinner we met Robin from Team Nutrition who is sponsoring us throughout the event by supplying all the sports nutritional products that we need. This guy gave us a talk on the science aspect of his products and he was superb. As you all know you should never try anything new for a marathon unless you have tested it out… well that went completely out the window. We were all so impressed with Robin’s talk that we all ditched our own favoured products and decided to use those provided.

We also have 2 physios, Amy and John for pre and post race massage and treatment. John also will follow us around the course each day in his car to make sure that we’re OK.

9^th May - Day 1 - Hot and humid, this is a tough course, much tougher than I expected.    I started at an easy pace and to my horror the 3 runners who are about my marathon pace all shot off at great speed so within 5 mins I couldn't even see anyone.   Was telling myself remember the fable of the Tortoise & the Hare.  Got to 10 miles and was told that Sue was a minute ahead, caught up and passed her at 11 miles, also caught up and passed Michelle at 12 miles.  Then I managed to pass Paul at 19 miles.
One runner was taken to hospital having collapsed 20 mins after finishing, he has since discharged himself, not sure if he's running tomorrow, don't think it will be his decision. This is worrying for all of us as this guy did the Challenge last year and if he was having problems on Day 1 what chance was there for the rest of us?
I will be going slower tomorrow, this was too fast for me in these conditions on this course and we’ve a long way to go yet.

Time 5.23.

10^th May - Day 2 - The guy who went to hospital yesterday was given permission to run as long as he slowed his pace, extra medic on route to keep an eye on him and he was fine.

We started earlier today due to the hot weather and it was very hot and humid for the first couple of hours, then cooled a bit and a couple of light showers.   Ran with Sue to the first hill of note, which is a real toughie at 7 miles, then pulled ahead as I can walk faster up a hill, then settled down to run the rest on my own, ankle giving me a bit of trouble for the first half but was OK in the 2nd half.  Saw two cock pheasants sparring in the road and all the holidaymakers on the steam train at Newby Bridge waved at me. I ran better today than I expected.   Bought an ice cream at mile 24 to get me through the last couple of miles. .

Tomorrow will be the first real test as the third marathon starts to test whether you've replaced those carbs.  No injuries of note amongst us yet, there are a few blisters and sore toes.

Time 5.36

11^th May - Day 3 - Well, the wheels fell off for me today.   I didn't sleep that well again, I've probably only had about 12 hours sleep in the 3 nights I've been here, quite a few of us are not sleeping well.   So I didn't feel great lining up at the start, it's now becoming hard to eat enough and at the right times for fuelling too.  Started off really easily and it was very warm and humid for the first couple of hours, I was hoping that as we headed towards the lake and the well shaded roads it would cool but it just got hotter and hotter and peaked at 29 degrees and the humidity was very high.   We send our own drinks out to the drink stations which are every 2 miles, had an electrolyte drink at 8 miles, then decided I didn't want any water at 10 miles but when I got to 12 miles my bottle of electrolyte was missing (also Michelle's sandwich had also been taken and we couldn't blame the squirrels as they'd left the cling film behind.)   Onto the next station at 14 miles but I only had water put out there so had to wait until 16 miles to get my next electrolyte, during this time I was feeling pretty rough, a bit dizzy now and then.   At that drink station Paul was sitting on a step in the shade so I joined him for a few minutes then we made our way onto Bowness, where we bought tea and sat in a cool churchyard to gather out strength for the last 6 miles.

Onto the road again and I stopped to buy another ice cream (the Dales ice cream is very good) and then noticed a parked car with an Isle of Man number plate and the owners of the car turned out to be a couple that I know and last saw in August at a barbeque after the Isle of Man marathon.   This distraction helped and I was able to start run/walk again and felt OK for the last 2 miles which I ran.   It was truly a very hard day and during the worst part I hadn't told the physio how bad I was feeling in case he pulled me off the course.

Sue had another tough day but she battled on and we celebrated her completion of her 150th marathon by walking down to the river this evening and she and Paul (her hubby) sat in the cold water to try and ease their painful legs.

Am dreading tomorrow as we've been told the weather is going to be hot again, we've since had a thunderstorm but it hasn't cleared the air

Time 6.12

12^th May - Day 4 - 104 miles done now, phew. Hot again today, but not humid so better than yesterday.  I took it easy as I didn't want another awful run like yesterday.   Finished in good form, had to slow the last 3 miles as the sun was too hot to run in.  No problems with drinks today, all where they should be.

Didn't sleep well again last night and I'm not the only one, no particular reason, it's not too hot or anything.   It's Michelle's birthday today so we're having a drink in the bar, tomorrow we will be half way so another drink to celebrate.

Time 6.01

13^th May - Day 5 - Tough day again for me today, felt OK but my legs are starting to complain about all this mileage, sore ankle (not the sprained one), sore calf and sore shins.   Have had to resort to physio and massage today so that's how bad I am, but the physio says I will be OK.  Unbelievably the injury to my left ankle has been caused by my Asics socks, will switch brands tomorrow. But I’m still feeling positive, as we're halfway now.     We're off to the pub now!

Time 6.08

14^th May - Day 6 - I’m very tired and have picked up a calf injury. Michelle has also now got an injury. Sadly Sue had to DNF today at 20 miles and she is now on crutches, looks like a stress fracture. Her husband Paul was very upset but is carrying on. Not a good day, we’re all sad about Sue. My friend Hilary has arrived and she is going to cycle round the course for the next 2 days to support us as she’s training for a cycle ride from Lands End to John O’Groats in July.

Time 6.07

15^th May - Day 7 - Another bad day, temperature still 20 -22 degrees which is sapping all energy, the left calf is feeling better but sadly the right has started to niggle! Pains where I didn't know pains could exist! First, and what turned out to be my only blister of the challenge. I’m still having problems sleeping. But still running, or rather mostly walking today! One of the group did a PB today. Went to Ambleside for fish and chips tonight with Hilary and Ray (who did the PB), my favourite pre marathon meal to try and get some energy back.

Time 6.52

16^th May - Day 8 - 209 miles done.  Felt good today after a better sleep but it hurts a lot, very painful for first 4 or 5 miles every day knocking out the stiffness in my ankles, feet and shins.   Calves are now very sore and today I had to have treatment twice en route to get me round.   Physio says the pain in my calves will continue for the next 2 days so that's something to look forward too!   The start time of each race has now been put back 30 mins as the physios need that extra time to get everyone ready to run.   Quite a few are running with quite severe strapping now, so I've been lucky so far.  
No chance of me now achieving the world record, Michelle is too far ahead time wise to catch up, she's doing brilliantly especially as she's running with a fairly severe injury. Even with all the injuries we are having a great time, the 11 of us get on so well and there's lots of laughs too, we're already planning a reunion at Connemara Marathon next year.   Last year 7 did this challenge and they called themselves the Magnificient Seven.   Eleven is a difficult number and we couldn't think of a suitable title so we have called ourselves The TiT'S  (Ten in Ten)'s

We're all looking forward to Day 9 tomorrow, the race finish is now up here in front of Brathay Hall and the signs are being put up around the course and we are getting more support from the locals every day.   Some of us stop in Bowness (20 miles) for a cup of tea during the marathon to take away, it used to be 95 pence, then the price dropped to 50 pence, now it's free, the locals are very kind and friendly.

Time 6.38

17^th May - Day 9 - I nearly dropped out today as I was having so much pain from my calf muscles in both legs and I couldn't bear the thought that I would have that pain for all of Day 10 too.   A huge thank you to a Runner’s World forumite, Marathon Maiden who had travelled all the way from Ivybridge In Devon and met me en route and then accompanied me for a couple of miles, also thanks to her patient husband who waited in the car.   After that it was the physio John who kept me going and persuaded me to finish Day 9 before deciding what to do about Day 10.   Michelle also came out and accompanied me for the last mile, despite the fact that she is injured too.   I’ve switched my phone off, I don’t want to talk to anyone today, I have to deal with this on my own. I was at my lowest physically and mentally today, this is so hard, I’m exhausted and not sleeping more than 4 hours a night, my legs hurt even when I’m in bed, I want to go home.

Time 7.26.

18^th May - Day 10 - Overnight I had got my head together and was determined to finish, I decided to go off an hour earlier than the other Tit's.  I also decided not to have any of the physio's strapping on my leg so maxed out on painkillers I set off at 8.30 am and as usual the first 5 miles was sheer hell, pains in calf muscles, ankles and shins.  The first of the Tit's caught up with me at 10 miles, and then the leaders of the marathon at 14 miles and the support from the marathon runners and the spectators was fantastic and kept me going and I knew nothing would stop me from finishing.   My left shin was very sore and despite treatment from John the physio just got more painful as the miles went on, yet another injury.
The finishing straight at Windermere is superb, great support from the crowds and the rest of the Tit's were waiting for me, lots of hugs, kisses, tears and champagne.  I should have gone for physio then but ended up in the beer tent...whoops.  Then the presentation, which was fabulous. Steve Edwards has broken the world record by a staggering 2 hours 19 minutes, Michelle has set a world record for being the first woman to complete the challenge, I was a poor 2^nd, but just so happy to have finished and we are all on a terrific high. We’ve done it!!

Time 6.25

I'm crocked now, John the physio says with treatment 6 to 7 weeks for calf injury and 2 to 3 weeks for shin injury on other leg, but I said "can't I just run through these injuries", he just shook his head and said  that he can't wait to deal with 'normal' people again. I tell him that I think I’ll be OK for Cork marathon on the 2^nd June..

Well it was the most amazing experience but also the most painful, mentally and physically this pushed me to a limit that I didn’t think was possible.  

Would I do it again?.....NO, NEVER.

There was much nervous apprehension when I booked this race as I spoke to Roger Biggs (Chairman of the 100 Marathon Club) and he mentioned a number of 100 Club members would be doing the event, which I really wanted to do. I faced a dilemma though in that I would have to notch up something like 10 marathons in 12 weeks. I had booked up 9 in successive weeks and allowed a 2 week window after the 9th one this just in case I got injured so I could potentially fit one or two more in, fortunately it didn’t come to that!

Having completed Halstead the 99th which went well, I was really excited that the big day was just around the corner. Ireland has always been quite a special place for me, having done races in Dublin / Connemara it’s always drawn me back mostly due to the wonderful hospitality, great music bars and needless to say the Guinness tastes pretty good too.

We decided to spend a few days in Cork, so besides doing the race it gave us a bit of time to take in the sights i.e. Blarney Castle, Killarney etc. with some good friends that had joined us too for the occasion.

The registration was a bit of an anti-climax on Saturday before race day, it was in the Cork City Hall and there was no stalls selling running kit, music playing etc, which amazed me as it’s a wonderful marketing opportunity for Race organisers to promote other events, though understandably it was only the second year of the race’s history !

Race day had come around quickly after the hubbub of frenzied activity. We were all well rested having found a good Pizza restaurant the night before and really filled our faces (not my normal food of choice but the group preferred pasta to a steak & chips meal) but the food was washed down by some nice wine that was kindly offered to me my Jim. I hadn’t intended having anything to drink as I’d had a skin full the previous night, but as they say "when in Rome do as a Roman"!

My Scottish kilt was donned on race day, and off I went to breakfast for a nice bowl of hot porridge and some scrambled eggs. Phillip dressed up as Elvis which was fantastic, Edward as a woman with long black wig and short mini skirt; he nearly put me off my breakfast seeing those hairy legs..!! Dave Bayley dressed up as Forest Gump and really looked the part and Jim not to be outdone looked as though he’d just escaped from Alcatraz in his one piece convicts outfit! I knew about his past convictions but was sworn to secrecy…………

After our breakfast the motley clan of miscreants made their way to the start of the marathon en-masse whilst the some of the locals looked stupefied with mouths agape, whilst others chortled loudly.

We had a good photo shoot and then proceeded to get in place with the rest of the masses for the start of the race. The Claxton went off and our group of motley jesters were on the way. At the start we’d unanimously agreed that the fancy dressers would stick together, which worked well until about half way. It was great fun being part of the excitable atmosphere as we made our way down St.Patrick’s Street and along the River Lee to suburbia.

Cork nestles in a river valley and is surrounded within an area of verdant hills in the north and south, in my view though it was relatively flat, scenic but varied course.

On we went on our circuit of the city centre, before heading out to the suburb of Blackpool, (no there wasn’t a tower there) the incessant banter between us made light work of the miles. Soon we’d passed the 4 mile mark along the picturesque Lower Glanmire Road then we entered the long Jack Lynch 360 metre tunnel which was spectacular. I immediately started singing ACDC’s Highway to Hell at the top of my lungs and was joined in song by the mad Forrest Gump (aka Dave Bayley), the cacophony echoed throughout the length of the tunnel and I am sure there were some nervous looks as runners must have been thinking that there were some nutters on the loose………. ! As we neared the end of the tunnel there were some strange noises and it transpired that some drummers were pounding out a rhythmic beat that echoed throughout the tunnel. This really spurred us on and we upped the race pace.

The Jack Lynch tunnel lies beneath the River Lee and links Dunkettle to Ringmahon. Interestingly the 2007 Cork marathon was actually the first time that pedestrians had been allowed through it subsequent to the opening in 1999 when 100000 people walked through the tunnel over a 2 day period raising significant monies for charitable causes.

We passed through Blackrock Village still enjoying the electric atmosphere and headed along the Martina and Central Park road towards Turners Cross. The run along the Lee River was really scenic and having come around a bend we were awed by the sight of a lovely Castle, the road meandered along the river banks through a quiet residential area which was virtually traffic free. Spectators gesticulated from doorways, and clapped as we ran past. From the rapturous applause it was clear that they were enjoying the spectacle as the Scotsman lifted his kilt, other characters got much applause i.e. Forest Gump, Elvis and a tart called Edward who showed them a thing or two. Jim kept putting his hand up to screen his face as he passed a few bemused policemen, and only I knew what crimes he’d committed, but I can be bribed for a fee though…………

Our motley crew made their way to the half way mark along a lovely avenue bordered by trees. I looked at my watch then and it read 1.51.30 (or thereabouts) I looked over my shoulder but couldn’t see the rest of the fancy dress pack, at this time I was running with a guy called Steve Price from the 100 Marathon club and we’d been chattering away for ages. We ended up sticking together until about mile 16/17 when Steve mentioned that he was going to ease back a bit. I thought I’d pick up the pace at this point and started doing 7.30min miles, I felt good though by now my kilt was dripping with a sweat / water and my kilt had slid down a bit. As I ran I tried pulling up the kilt and tightening the belt (much to the amusement of the spectators) which was hard work whilst on the run, though I didn’t find it too uncomfortable apart from this.

At 21miles, we started heading back towards the city along a mile long Carrigrohane Road, locally known as the straight road. In fact the last few miles seemed unending as the road was slightly uphill and straight, the mile markers seemed to take ages to reach. The last bit was nice though as we went along Pope’s Quay and crossed a small bridge called the Christy Ring Bridge and Lavitt’s Quay when I was passed by a familiar looking runner, running the last 5 mile lap of a relay race (on at the same time). I questioned a spectator and she confirmed that the lady in question was in fact the great Sonia O’Sullivan. She’d actually commented having run past me "go that man in a kilt", great words of encouragement, but needless to say I would not be able to catch Sonia on any day of the week, least of all at the end of a marathon. The finish at St.Patrick’s Street was wonderful, and the crowds were going ballistic as I lifted my kilt whilst also attempting a sprint finish in order to get to the finish in 3.29.04, which I managed with only seconds to spare.

I made my way over to Jola (my better half) who was wearing her green Irish hat adorned with shamrocks. She handed me a bottle of bubbly and I popped the cork with gusto and proceeded to down the contents. We’d bought a few bottles as a celebratory gesture to share with the rest of our group, and as they came in they were whisked over for a wee libation and a photo shoot.

Having seen Sonia O’Sullivan in the crowd after the race, I walked over and started chatting to her; she was such a nice person and readily agreed to have a photo taken with me when I mentioned that I was celebrating my 100th marathon.

Phillip (aka Elvis) mentioned that we should get an interview on the local "Radio 96" they were covering the event; he had a word with the Event organiser who agreed to arrange our 5mins of fame on live broadcast. Yinhii mentioned later on that she’d heard the radio broadcast whilst changing back at the hostel, much to her amazement! Edward looked ravishing in his dress, Elvis was as handsome as ever whilst Jock (me) told the interviewer excitedly about the fun we’d had that day. Shame the listeners hadn’t seen us, but maybe this was fortuitous as we’d probably have been sectioned otherwise.

The rendezvous for the evening’s festivities was decided as being Clancy’s Bar, which was set up by the race organisers for the Post Race bash; however our group (including the 100 marathon club) were the only people at the bash which was good as the hot plates of food were relished and devoured with gusto.

Roger Biggs of the 100 Club made the presentation of my 100 Club medal and to the requests of "speech….speech" I said a few words to thank everyone for their wonderful support in supporting and helping me arrive at my milestone, we then continued our libations of the local brew - Guinness!!

The rest of the evening included learning how to do Irish jigs, to the sound of a local Irish band, which was a real laugh as needless to say there were a few sore toes at the end of the evening.

All in all it was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, one that will remain etched in my memory and a great weekend spent in the company of some wonderful friends that made it a very special occasion!

DAVE ROSS

APPENDIX I

24 July 2008 saw the centenary anniversary of the London Olympic Marathon of 1908 – the event where everyone can visualise the guy who lost, but no one remembers the winner. The loser was, of course, the diminutive moustachioed Charlie Chaplin-like Dorando Pietri, the Italian pastry cook who, having been helped over the finishing line, was later disqualified. Was he really wearing plimsolls? The gold medal was subsequently awarded to the American Johnny Hayes. Who remembers him?

Significantly, it was the first time the marathon course was run over the classic distance of 26 miles 385 yards. The originally scheduled distance was extended to 26 miles when officials moved the Start Line so that the Royal infants could see it from their nursery window in Windsor Castle and, similarly, had the Finish Line moved by 385 yards so that it was in front of the Royal Box at White City Stadium, in Shepherds Bush. Just think of all those extra miles and extra grief you have had to endure because of those decisions! 20 extra miles, at least, for all 100 marathoners and we all know the ‘Point Two’ is harder going than the twenty six miles that precede it!

The Club decided to mark this special occasion with a re-run of the original route, or as near as dammit, given the building and road works that have gone on in the intervening years. Tad Lancucki "organised", but perhaps more appropriately described, "masterminded" the event. Tad used the course mapped and measured by Hugh Jones for Ranulph Fiennes’ Marathon in London in 2003, which was one of Fiennes’ epic Seven Marathons on Seven Continents in Seven Days.

So it was that sixty seven runners, comprising fifty four members and thirteen guests, gathered in the King & Castle Wetherspoons pub in Windsor in the early afternoon of 24 July to register, change, and apply all sorts of bandages and liniments in readiness for ‘the off’ (with grateful thanks to the pub’s management for their kindness, hospitality and forbearance).

Goodness only knows what the tourists and visitors made of us all milling round Queen Victoria’s statue at Windsor Castle, taking pictures of each other, before posing en masse for the group photo that can now be seen on the Club website. The 24th July 1908 was a very warm day for long-distance running, the temperature eventually reaching 78° F. (26° C.), when 56 athletes lined up at Windsor for the Olympic Marathon. We also had lovely warm sunshine for our run when we all set off (with a wave of the Union Flag), just after 2.30 p.m., from Windsor Castle, just as the original race had done. Osy Waye and Ray Hoyle had already set off to blaze the trail. Most runners were wearing the distinctive 100 Marathon Club kit and a number wore their own club vests. I wore "unremarkable" vest and shorts in response to a request from Tad that we shouldn’t draw attention to ourselves, as we had no official permission to run the route! Obviously, I was unaware that particular request had been rescinded since Tad himself was wearing the Club’s blue and yellow. John Wallace took to the road in his usual Superman gear. So much for keeping a low profile!

The "swarm" of runners remained reasonably compact for the first mile with everyone chatting to each other. Soon after the start, Hugh Jones was spotted running on the other side of the road. He, also, was celebrating this historic occasion by running the original course on the day, having flown back from measuring the Olympic marathon course in Beijing. It didn’t take long for the field to spread out, but from an early stage many chose to run in small groups, probably concerned about the prospect of getting lost. But they need not have worried; the seven pages of detailed instructions plus maps in a plastic folder we had been given were as good as any Sat. Nav. But trying to move from one page to the next in a crowded shopping street with sweaty hands, that were already fully occupied grasping a couple of water bottles, was more like a scenario from "You’ve Been Framed"!

The course wound its way through Windsor, Eton, Slough, Uxbridge, Ickenham, Ruislip, Eastcote, Harrow, Wembley, Harlesden, Acton and Shepherds Bush to the Finish at the BBC’s White City offices. On the way we passed historic landmarks from the 1908 course – the one mile marker at the end of the eye catching pink painted Barnespool Bridge, and the 24 mile point that coincides with number 28 Railway Cottages (that was up for sale), in Old Oak Lane before that road crosses the Grand Union Canal. We also passed within spitting distance of the new Wembley Stadium with its magnificent arch, and the quaint Jubilee Clock in Harlesden, erected in 1888 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee. There was no shortage of ‘natural’ scenery en route such as that provided by Iver Heath and the River Colne at Uxbridge. A varied selection of London life was also there to be seen as we passed along the busy Wembley and Harlesden High Roads with their cosmopolitan populations, busy markets and associated smells. Towards the end of the run my own dose of nostalgia kicked in. As we ran alongside the Wormwood Scrubs football pitches, I recalled my younger days when I had much more energy than now and where I used to score goals regularly. Running along Braybrook Street at the side of the park I couldn’t help but think about its gory history and the murder of three policemen there in 1966, just before the new football season began that year.

Two official drinks stations were provided on the course, the first at five miles just before we made our way scarily along a dual carriageway, where there was no path. The other was just after the seventeen mile point outside the Wards Freehouse pub , though the description "drink station" hardly does justice to the varied, extensive and plentiful spread on offer. As it was a hot day we (at least I) had to supplement the official drinks. At around 8 miles I went into a garage and picked up a couple of bottles. The guy in the garage shop, whose English was not the best, and who probably hadn’t heard a Scottish accent before, insisted I make full use of the ‘three for two’ offer. I just couldn’t make him understand that I simply couldn’t carry a third bottle, and pointing to my running number to explain that I was running in a race made things no clearer to him. Off he went to the freezer to get me the third bottle, thinking I hadn’t understood the generosity of his offer. Eventually, after paying the bill, I fled the shop leaving the third bottle behind on the counter, much to the poor assistant’s consternation! Later drinks (and sweets) purchases went a little more smoothly but, invariably, I had to join short queues to be served!

Another feature of the run was the crossing of a number of roads including the extremely busy North Circular Road – but unfortunately no time allowance was given for the inevitable delays incurred. The Finish had its own attraction. In the gathering dusk I came into the precinct of the BBC White City offices and across the line drawn on the paving with the historical inscription "THIS IS THE SITE OF THE FINISHING LINE OF WHITE CITY STADIUM WHICH HOSTED THE 1908 OLYMPICS". On the wall ahead was the league table of nation medal winners from the 1908 Olympics with Great Britain at the top with 56 Gold, 51 Silver and 38 Bronze. Those were the days!

I was grateful to come home safely and have my time recorded by Peter and Leo Sargent. I accepted my T Shirt and medal with relief. I will treasure my medal, the face of which replicated the medal presented to all competitors in the 1908 Games. I made a beeline for the Wine Bar in the precinct to quaff a few beers. No matter that it was prohibitively expensive, the amber liquid went back a treat. The end of a perfect day.

First men home in the 2008 event were Dave Ross and Ian Sharman who came over the line together in a time of 3 hours 36 minutes 36 seconds. First lady was Melanie Johnstone in a time of 4 hours 46 minutes 53 seconds . Everyone who started finished and, as far as I am aware, although there were a few tired limbs at the end of the day nobody finished in a distressed state like the unfortunate Signor Pietri all those years ago, or needed to be helped across the line.

Thanks must go to Tad’s friends John, Euge and Judy as well as Peter and Leo. It was good to see Brian (Ladder Man) Doherty and his wife Barbara at the Finish. Brian, of course, was responsible for founding the Club in its original form and kindly donated the 100 Marathon Cup. But a big thank you must go to Tad Lancucki himself for all the research and work he put into organising a superb event.

Peter Burns