Category: Distance

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The Wall

Thanks to Kirsty for her event report for The Wall:

The Wall, Saturday 13th June (plus some events along the way)

Grab a drink, it could be a long one!! It may seem a bit rambling but I’m hoping to try and put some perspective into the emotions behind long distance training.

June last year, this Rat Race event was hosted and completed by a member of our running community. Watching her tracker and ultimately her complete it, Kerrie and I decided (I can’t remember who suggested it first but it was a quick agreement!) to sign up for this years event, and so did Andy and David – not sure if there was a bit more persuasion on this one 😂.

Knowing that this event was a distance neither of us had done before, we thought of all the lovely long training runs we could do as we ‘had a whole year to train’! Spoiler alert – life happens and long training runs do get done but not always as planned!!

For me, doing some events that were originally my big race turned into training runs and being cautious, although I’d always much rather finish an event and feel good rather than kill myself getting round and then am out of action.

A new event for me this year was the Wymondham 20 miler – 22nd March. One that I always wanted to try and I was lucky enough to get a transfer. This is a great event if you’re on the edge of wanting to push more than a half marathon but not quite ready for the full.  It’s also a good training run as part of a back to back run which is what I done having done 33 miles the day before. I hadn’t particularly enjoyed it but I was really proud of what I’d achieved by myself – running with friends is much nicer. At Wymondham, I ended up running with a lovely lady from Dereham Gazelles and we ran it together, all bar the first mile or so.

Next event was Brighton marathon – 12th April. A firm favourite for me!

Norfolk marathon – 19th April.

A new one for me and I was very lucky to be running it with Kerrie and Marie. The medal is fabulous 😍 A very hilly route but well marshalled.

GEAR 10k – 3rd May.

A great local event with a big crowd of not only runners but supporters! Really enjoy this one as it’s fast and flat, closed roads – really well organised.

Fighter 5k – 17th May.

I really like this one, another local event – also flat with closed course. Fab turnout of club members cheering and running.

As well as all these events this year, we have had some great Sandy Lane sessions to prepare for the hillier terrain and some really lovely long social runs at the weekends. It really is all about taking the opportunity and spending it with the best people.

And then before you know it, it’s nearly time for the big day of travelling before the big day itself! Unfortunately Andy wasn’t able to do the run with David as planned, but in true team player mode, he kindly still gave up his weekend to join us and track along the way, also with Sean – a lovely surprise!

We spent most of the day travelling and then once there, we had to collect our trackers. It was quite funny seeing all these people walking around with their backpacks so it was quite clear who was there for the event. We then checked into the hotel and in the girls room, Kerrie and I done a whole bag re-check so we were assured that we were well prepped and ready to go. We didn’t go to sleep until late and with an alarm beginning with a 4 for Saturday morning, it was a sleepy start to the day bit here it was!

Saturday morning. We loaded the car up with all our bags and belongings and headed off for the short drive to Carlisle Castle. Unloading the car, we had to remember to take our backpacks and the two dropbags, one for the Hexham pit stop and one for the finish. Standing outside the castle felt a bit surreal and we then went into our starting pen. There were five waves, the first went at 6am and then every 15 minutes after that. Entering the pen, they were carrying out random bag checks and they chose Kerrie. Luckily she’d packed her bag well and knew exactly where the item was they were asking for so a very minimal delay. Our start time was 630am.

Lots of people were wearing jackets and layers at the start but within the first couple of miles, there was a lot of them stopping to take them off! It was quite mild but we had dressed appropriately so were ok. This is the first time of many where all our practice runs with kit and clothes came in handy and we felt prepared.

The first 15 miles to the first pit stop was all road. We got there and it was big! A line of portaloos, a water station leading to squash and hot drinks, then on to the food 😋 A feast and so many options! A pecan and maple slice went down a treat, plus some fruit. We had quite a quick turnaround here and were soon on our way.

More road for the start of the next section and then we finally saw part of the Hadrian’s wall! And the hills started 🤣

The first half of this event is the hillier part and some of it made Sandy Lane look like a pancake. I had seriously underestimated this but we took it steady and kept going, stopping when needed to catch our breath or just to let people pass who seemed to be powering up there! Along the way we also met Al Pepper (check out his YouTube!), Kerrie recognised him and he was filming parts of his run – he interviewed us…did we make the cut?!

We made it to the highest point of the course and it was amazing! Windy but amazing. The views were incredible and I truly felt so proud of us for making it to that point. We then continued on to the next pit stop (there was 5 in total) called The Sill. Finally they had some coke and I had a cup of tea and a biscuit. Simple but needed. Off we went again and somewhere along the way, we saw Andy and Sean again. They’d been tracking David who was steaming along but had time to come and see us. They also had some more coke which was in short supply at the previous stops. Sean ran with us for a bit which was lovely too.

It gets a bit hazy memory wise, I remember we were chatting to a chap as we approached pitstop 4 – Hexham. The biggest pitstop where a lot of competitors change into fresh clothes and road shoes for the final 26 miles which is all road. So much food to pick from including boiled potatoes, pork pie and soup. We had a proper rest here and I think we left about 8pm. Another mandatory kit check to show we had the items required to continue and I also gave the volunteer my last few squashies. I’d eaten so many they weren’t enjoyable anymore 🤣

And off we went, being quite near the longest day we didn’t need our head torches until around 10pm.

I’m sure by the time we left here as well David had already finished, an incredible run 👏🏻

The last two sections were physically demanding. Not in the same way as the hills were as we were fresher then as it was earlier in the day, but with all the time on our feet and carrying all the mandatory kit plus everything else we thought we might want or need along the way, shoulders and back was aching. Feet were getting blisters and food was getting harder to enjoy and swallow. I remember it being quite dark and I’d had a couple of crackers and they were just going round and round in my mouth. I ended up spitting them out as I just couldn’t swallow them.

We got to the last pitstop and it was quite small, especially compared to Hexham. The volunteers were amazing though and definitely were a good boost. On leaving here, there was a lady sitting on a bollard. We stopped and checked on her and she wasn’t feeling so good. She was on her own so between us we supported her and carried her bags back to area so she could get some medical help. It was so dark we had nearly missed her, I’m so glad we were able to help her though.

More darkness in what felt as quite a country and lonely area. And then as we were getting closer to what felt more like civilization, the dawn started breaking and we didn’t need our torches much more then. The last 2-3 miles felt like they were never going to end but with determination and perseverance they did and we crossed the line, hand in hand as always – official ‘Wallers’! And a huge thanks to the guys who got up to see us over the finish line. I felt very emotional and really, now writing it down I can still feel it.

Some things from the event. Despite the distance, most of the time there was always another runner nearby. It was really reassuring and nice. We would catch up with them and then they’d catch up with us, exchange a few words – chat or support, and then be on our ways again. The worst bit was when it was dark and there wasn’t quite so much vision to see who was there and all the senses are heightened.

The most important and amazing thing was the support. We supported each other through all our training runs (and Marie – thank you!), so many people tracked us – when we crossed the finish line, my auntie messaged me as she’d been tracking us through the night! Amazing support from Andy, Sean and David.

And on the way home, at the service stations and stops we could identify everyone else from that event. Wearing huge smiles, their medals and walking the stiff legged walk, either from blisters or muscle ache!

It’s amazing what our bodies prove we are capable of. For me, on finishing I was totally spent. It takes a lot to break me and that truly was a challenge and a half. I think for most of us, we finish a race and get that runners high. I was so pleased we’d completed it and within the cutoff times. But in the following weeks I think I have had a bit of runners low. The big event that we had spent weeks and months training for is now gone. The medal has been worn to work, the shop – wherever it could be flashed off! The feet are healing but I felt like I’m a bit lost with nothing to train for. No big training runs. The direction is coming back though and so is my running mojo. So very proud to be part of this amazing and supportive club. And well done if you made it this far! Thank you ☺️ Kirsty x

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Revesby Running Festival 10k

Thursday evening I decided to enter this event and really pleased I choose to. Less than an hour and a half from Fakenham it was to run somewhere other than the usual local runs but also as it was a trail run to help prep for the RNR.

The event was held on Revesby Estate in Lincolnshire with various distances available to run.

There was a 10 stage challenge the estate where runners try to run a 5k lap with each stage decreasing in time. ( this is also a team option) Then there was a half marathon, a 10k tab, a 5k and the 10k which I opted for.

This was a very well organised event with registration efficient and briefings simple and to the point.

The run itself started pretty much in the centre of the park and followed a deer fence before turning right across the centre of the deer field.

We then joined a track which took us down to the main rd where we again turned right and ran along an overgrown path.

After about 400m we re entered the park and  followed a recently cut path across another grass field.

Leaving the field at around 11/2K we ran along a farm track up to and around the reservoir. At the end of this the route carried along the edge of fields before leaving the park at around 7k. This then crossed a small road and done a triangle before joining the road for about 500m.

Re entering the park along a track before turning through a small woodland path and across a grass field and then turning once again to follow the deer fence back down to the finish line.

A tough but friendly and enjoyable race.

Would I do it again, YES

Chip Time 49.38

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Outlaw Holkham Half

Many thanks to Andrew Tucket who took part in the Outlaw Holkham Half as part of a relay team for sending us his event report:

Taking part in a half ironman race is not something I’d ever expected to do, but the opportunity arose a few months ago when Alex Howard asked if I’d be willing to take his place in a relay team with two old friends of his. Alex was having to withdraw because of injury.  I dithered for a few days before replying as I was recovering from a hamstring problem and barely running 5k, let alone 21.  But the prospect of trying out something new, and on home turf at Holkham, was too good to miss, so I gave a very cautious acceptance and crossed my fingers that I’d get myself fit in time.

The Outlaw Holkham Half involves a 1.2 mile swim in the lake, 56 mile bike ride out to Flitcham / Dersingham and back, and finally a half marathon in Holkham park. The majority of competitors were doing all 3 activities (proper iron men / ladies) but ours was one of 37 teams doing it as a relay.

The Outlaw event takes over Holkham park for the weekend, with a big camp site and parking area as well as the event village and start/finish in front of Holkham Hall.  The ironman event takes place on the Sunday but registration is on the Saturday, which is when a number of other races take place. These included the 10k, and I was able to watch some great performances by RntS runners, including Tim Mardall and Sarah Diss coming second in respectively the men’s and women’s races.

Clive, David and I didn’t know each other and so had arranged a blind date in front of the registration tent.  They had both taken part in ironman races before but the whole thing was a bit of a mystery to me and it was helpful to spend time with them learning how it works.  Although at the end of the day my brief was pretty simple – stand by our bike stand in the transition area, wait for Clive to appear after his ride to tag me, and then run.

The day came and, unlike David, Clive and team captain Alex who were at Holkham for the start of the swim at 6am, I was able to have a lie-in.  When I woke at 7.15 I already had notifications on my phone from the Outlaw app that David had finished his swim in just under 35 minutes and that Clive was well on his way on the cycle leg.  I drove to Holkham, went to the designated place in the transition area, and was still double-knotting my laces when Clive came in, nearly 30 minutes ahead of schedule. He tagged me and I was off.

The run comprises 3 laps of a 7km course, which is a bit like the parkrun course in reverse, except that you turn off at the barns and head out on a gravel track and through woodland on the east side of the park before heading back towards the house to start the next lap.  It means there is a lot of climbing at the start of each lap.  The feed station manned by RntS, one of three on the course, is in a key location, just as you’ve finished the endless climbing and are turning sharp left towards the barns.  It comes as a welcome sight, not just because it’s where you finally have a bit of downhill, but because of the amazing welcome and support the RntS team gives the runners. I’m biased, but I know who I’ll be voting for in the ‘best feed station’ award if there is one.

It’s a tough course, not helped on the day by a strong wind from the west, but we were otherwise lucky with the overcast and coolish weather.

My fellow team members were waiting for me at the start of the finish straight when I finally got to the end of lap 3, and we crossed the line together in 5 hours, 39 minutes and 52 seconds, putting us a respectable 13th out of 37 among the relay teams. All in all, a brilliant experience, made all the better by fantastic RntS support.

Also a mention for club member Andrew Mulligan who took part as an individual and completed the event in 5:21:58.

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Gemma’s London Marathon

My London Marathon Report….

Well, The London Marathon! Where do I begin! It all started back in August when I was picked out the hat to represent Runners-next-the-Sea! I was sooo happy & proud to be running for our club! Little old me running the London Marathon! I had a smile on my face all the way home!

The excitement begins the moment you step on that train!

The first stop the day before the Marathon is when you go to the Excel Center to collect your race bib, which is a big moment! When you get that bib in your hand it all becomes very real!

There is a lot to look at in the Excel Center.  In fact anything & everything to do with running!

Then to the wall of names to find your name on the wall amongst 1000’s of others!  Another Big Moment!

The morning of the big day I think I was probably feeling a mixture of every emotion but mostly excited to start!

The trains to the start areas (which there are several start points) where packed with runners!  And it was buzzing!

Once off the train I followed the crowds of other runners!  I was heading to the red start area, wave 5 at Greenwich Park.

Once through security & into the start area it was a hive of activity with everyone changing into there kit & handing their bags in to put on the big lorries.

Then it was waiting for my wave to be called to start!

I can’t explain the feeling once at the start line, standing there amongst 1000’s of runners!  It was incredible!

As soon as you crossed that start line the crowds where there, shouting your name & cheering everyone on!  It really was amazing & so loud!  There was music, DJs, noise makers.  It was basically like a big party all the way around with some running thrown in! I loved it!

All the sights were amazing.  The Cutty Sark & my favourite was Tower Bridge.  It bought a tear to my eye!

Unfortunately my run didn’t go to plan. All was going well until around mile 8 then I started with cramp in my calves that got so bad I had to walk.  I was right behind the 4hr pacer & all was on track but sadly I had to watch her run into the distance.  It was very deflating for me. I cried with frustration then I walked until I could run again.  I managed to run again at a slower pace until mile 15 where I got the most awful cramps in all of my leg muscles, I’ve never had anything like it!  I couldn’t physically run so I ran when I could & walked when I had to for the last 11 miles but I was determined to cross the finish line & get that medal!  Even if I had to crawl it!

I was very disappointed with how that run went however I still loved it & smiled most of the way around!  The atmosphere, the crowds, the whole experience was just incredible!  A moment I will never, ever forget!

I feel I have unfinished business with that Marathon & I would definitely like to do it again one day if I ever get the chance again!

London Marathon you were amazing!

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Wymondham New Year’s Day 10K 2026

1st January. Most people are starting their day leisurely and possibly with a sore head from celebrating the night before. Fortunately, the brilliant marshals for the Wymondham 10k race were bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to welcome over 600 participants for the first event of the year.

Meeting at the race HQ, we followed the crowd to the start line a little way down the road. We all started together and the road was quite narrow. As it widened out, we all settled into our respective rhythms and fought the strong and icy headwinds for the first 4k. I stupidly didn’t take any gloves, so I pulled my long sleeve over my hands to keep them warm. This also meant I couldn’t constantly check my watch for my pace so I ran to feel which was good.

At 4k we turned left and the immediate lack of headwind made so much of a difference! I was really sweating with the effort of fighting the wind. Past the halfway water station and downhill for a while. Left again and then right which out us back onto the original outward bound road. The start of the race has a lovely long downhill which unfortunately turns into an uphill from hell for the return leg 🤣 Thanks to a heads-up from Vanessa I was prepared for it and managed to run the whole thing. Was also very grateful to a runner who’d caught me up at the bottom and together we slugged it out. There was no way I was giving him the satisfaction of seeing me walk and I think he was of a similar mind. The top of the hill came, a slight right and loads of ‘you’re nearly there’s!’ so I wound my little legs up and finished strong 💪🏻

A really good race and I would definitely do it again, thank you Wymondham AC!

Kirsty

Runners-next-the-Sea Results:
Kirsty – 59:13
Peter – 59:58
Marie – 1:08:37

Full results at https://totalracetiming.co.uk/raceresults/640

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East Coast 10K 2025

The East Coast 10k was the last race in the Sportlink 10k series. Having ran 6 of the races I decided to do this one as your 7 best results out of the 9 races counted (really just to see where I could finish in age group).

Managing to get in via the waiting list after they added extra places gave me the chance of another run I had never done.  Nita, Emily and Rob were entered and Paula made it a nap hand via the waiting list.

Accepting a lift from Paula we made our way to Great Yarmouth.  Parking was easy enough on the road side which was free. Funny enough Rob turned up at the same time and parked behind us.

Making our way to the Marina centre and registration the rain started, much to Paula’s delight(!).

Once inside the queues were quite long but registration was fairly swift. With well over 1000 entrants and the rain outside the hall was fairly crowded.

Making our way out for the start however was very busy and no clear indication of the start or predicted time zones.

The five of us found ourselves well towards the back. Realising this Paula, Rob, and myself try to make our way forward a bit. Whilst doing this we found the race had started and we were well over 1-2 minutes crossing the line.  This made the first 1k a bit of weaving through slower runners for us.

The route led along the road side of the prom for approximately 1k past the pleasure beach before turning towards the sea and running beach side of the prom northwards. Around 4.5k it turned back to the road and then ran southwards passing the Marina Centre and the Pleasure Beach to retrace the first 1.5k. The race finishing back past the Marina Centre on the sea side of the Prom.

A nice flat route but probably too big a field for the course. However we all achieved good times which we were pleased with.

Rob J 47.03
Paul W 47.12
Paula S 50.13
Nita 1.00.51
Emily J 1.09.15   (PB)

Personally a positive run and time, seeing me finish in 5th place in my age group for the Sportlink 10k series.

Report by Paul W

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Volunteering at the Inaugural Winter Warrior Ultra

Saturday, November 1st, saw the inaugural Winter Warrior 50km ultra marathon take place.  Organised by Boghopper Races, the event challenged runners to follow the Boudicca Way from Norwich to Diss – the reverse route of the successful summer 50km race.

I’d originally planned to sign up for this event over the summer as a great stepping stone towards the Peddars Way Ultra next February. However, due to a persistent knee issue, I made the sensible decision to withdraw.  Feeling a bit down about not being able to run, I decided the best way to regain my motivation was to be around inspirational people pushing themselves over the 50km distance. So, I signed up to volunteer for the day!

Checkpoint 1 and Tracker Monitoring

After being added to the volunteers’ WhatsApp group, I was pleased to see fellow club members Kerrie and Kirsty were also helping out. My main assignment was Checkpoint 1 (CP1), located about 11km into the race.  The night before, there was a last-minute call for someone to monitor the runner tracker and contact anyone who went off-course. I happily took this on, knowing it would keep me entertained while stationed at the road crossing later in the day!

Saturday morning was an early one. I packed plenty of snacks (essential for long shifts!) and extra warm layers before heading off to CP1 at the beautiful All Saints Church in Shotesham. All the food and drink had been dropped off the day before, so we got straight to work: setting up tables, spreading out the refreshments, filling water jugs, and “flattening the coke” (if you know,
you know!). It was lovely to see Kerrie and Kirsty and have a good catch-up before the runners arrived.

Everything was set up just as the first runners started coming through. The first three arrived together at an incredible pace, followed by a steady flow of participants. Being the first checkpoint meant all the runners came through in a relatively short space of time, which kept things rather hectic!

Road Crossing Duty

Once the tail runners had passed, I made my apologies around tidying up (sorry, Kerrie and Kirsty!) and set off on the 20-minute drive to my next post: Road Crossing 3 at Tivetshall, where runners would cross the busy A140 for the final time.  On arrival, I met my companion for the afternoon, a lovely fella named Steve from Coltishall Jags. Our job was to warn runners of the upcoming crossing as they approached. We had to be vigilant, as we found a few runners had somehow managed to approach on the wrong side of a
hedge, requiring us to direct them back about 400 metres to rejoin the correct path! At one point, I even had to help the runner in third place cross a ditch after he’d come up on the wrong side; unfortunately, he was overtaken as he got back on track. Being 40km into the race, the runners were far more spread out, so we had to man the crossing until 5:00 pm when the final runners came through.

My tablet came in handy for monitoring the tracker. It was quite fun making sure everyone stayed on course! This involved checking the link every five minutes and reviewing their positions. If someone appeared to be off track, I’d wait a few minutes, refreshing the page to see if they realised their mistake. If they kept heading the wrong way, I’d give them a call. I had to make several calls that day, but luckily, everyone answered, and I managed to get them all back on route. One couple went off course several times – we joked about the extra distance they’d given themselves when they eventually came through the road crossing!

Once the last runners had safely crossed the road, we removed all the signage, and I drove over to the finish line in Diss to drop it off. I let the organisers know I was heading home at that point, as I had an 80-minute drive ahead of me.

Finding My Running Mojo

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite it being a long one. The weather was great (though it did get cold as the sun went down), and watching everyone pushing themselves gave me loads of inspiration – it definitely helped me get my running mojo back!  I would absolutely recommend signing up to help out at one of these events and will definitely be volunteering at more of them. The extra bonus? Apparently, I can now sign up for a free
50km race myself, which is a nice saving!

Report by Andy P
Photo Credit:  Giles Thurston

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Reflecting back on Autumn 100 (18-19 October 2025)

Sadly a DNF but completed 95 miles on foot.

Organised by Centurion Running, Autumn 100 (A100) is a 100 mile (approx 161 km) race with 16 aid stations and 16 cutoffs, the final cutoff being 28 hours. It takes place on the beautiful trails in West Berkshire and South Oxfordshire and involves 4 legs of approximately 25 miles of out and back (so with each leg being about 40 kms), all in different directions from and to the same point. The map resembles a cross and the race starts at the intersection of two little villages, Goring and Streatley. Legs 1 and 4 are on the Thames Path so are mostly flat while Legs 2 and 3 have uphills and downhills, the former being through beautiful trails through ancient woodland to Swyncombe and back to Goring, while the latter is mostly on chalky and stony paths all the way up to Chain Hill and back to Goring.

I was very happy with how I did on Legs 1 and 2. Leg 2 was familiar terrain to me from previous races in the area. I knew it would be hard but also beautiful. On the way back to Goring I ran with another runner for about 10 miles or so. We had a nice conversation along the way.

I completed Leg 2 knowing I’d actually set a pb for myself for the first 50 mile (81km) distance.

It was, of course, only halfway and there was more work to be done!  Each time I came back to Goring  I had access to my drop bag (the beauty of this race set up) and I had a change of clothes for each leg and some food of my choice in addition to what is offered at each aid station (which is actually a nice spread). We’d been told Leg 3 would be cold and windy as it is quite exposed so before I went out on this leg, I got changed to ensure I was well wrapped up. I was comfortable and warm. It started to rain at this point but as it wasn’t heavy rain my windproof top was sufficient in keeping me dry. I didn’t need my full waterproof jacket.

As this race involves out and backs, as a back of the pack runner I was continuously seeing runners coming towards me. This is a nice feeling even if you know you have yet to cover the distance they have already covered when they go past you.  It also means you are not out on your own and they can cheer you on while you cheer them on, too.

My experience on Leg 3 with the out and back was quite remarkable as I continuously saw headtorces approaching towards me in pitch dark. There would be a few, then five or six, then another five or six,  then nine or ten, then one or two and so it went like this with what seemed to be at least a hundred runners. It was a truly beautiful spectacle! I wish I had taken a photo of this experience!   I didn’t take any photos at all during the race. On the way back to Goring I was mostly on my own and was able to run at reasonable speed. Arriving at Goring before the final leg I made sure to change my top and tried not to hang around too much before the final leg.

I set off for Leg 4 with another runner. Again it was good to keep one another company. At this point I was doing more walking then running but managed to get into a running rhythm all the way to the penultimate aid station at Reading. I had a low point after the Welcome to Reading sign. Although I’d read that the aid station was nowhere near and there was at least 4 miles (nearly 7 kms) yet before I would arrive at the checkpoint. The sun was out and the views were gorgeous but I was getting exhausted physically and so I was run/walking. I was aware I might not make it to the Reading aid station within the cutoff but I managed it and arrived there just over 15 mins before it would close. The cheers I got from all the volunteers here, some of whom were in the balcony, were very motivating. After a quick run up the stairs (don’t know how I managed that!) to wash my hands and get some squash, I made my way back down again and back onto the Thames Path. 87.5 miles was complete. I had 12.5 miles (just under a half marathon) to go.  And I had 3 hours 45 mins to complete this distance. I could do this. I smiled and headed on. Soon after I felt some pain at the bottom of my spine. I worried as my bone density in that area is low. I was in discomfort. I realised somehow this pain was also not allowing me to run! I stopped to stretch my legs and back but couldn’t lift my legs to stretch my quads. My back pain was not easing off. I thought of going back to the Reading aid station to declare defeat but no I had enough time and I would sort my back out and carry on. Sadly whatever I did made no difference. On the contrary things worsened as I started to develop “runners’ lean” – a phenomenon well-known in ultras but one which I had never experienced ever before. It was distressing. I could not stay upright. I was leaning to the right, bent over almost to my waist(!) and trying to walk was agonising. By now I was halfway to the final aid station but all I could do was walk slowly, stop and stretch and then carry on.  The course sweeper was now in sight so when he caught up with me we walked together for a while. We had a nice chat. The remaining distance to the final aid station where my race would end seemed too far away. By the time I could make it to the final aid station the sweeper bus was waiting to collect me. I had covered almost 95 miles on foot. The last 5 miles had to remain unconquered.

A 100 is a fabulous event and I hope to be back to conquer it!

Photo credits: Pierre Papet, the official race photographer

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Ana’s Dublin Marathon 2025

I am not quite certain when I got it into my head that I would one day run the Dublin Marathon and drink a pint of Guinness straight after. Years passed and unfortunately due to my job being somewhat restricting in terms of holidays and being able to guarantee to get back to work in time, I never got the chance, until this year. This is also the first time I travelled to another country to run a race, which is normally against everything I believe in. However, it had to be done.

We set off very early on Friday morning, around 3 am in order to get a flight from Stansted to Dublin. It was a cheap flights affair with Ryanair. Super quick I must say, which made me wonder why I never ventured that way considering how easy it was. This was also my first time in Ireland. I love the Irish people and was very lucky to meet some throughout my life, starting from the time I worked in Bosnia for the British Government. The kind who will always be up for fun and mischief. We spent most of the day mingling around the city and went to the expo. The children were a bit disappointed after being at London’s ExCel, however it was really well organised and it did not take that long despite there being a massive queue when we arrived. I was so excited all day long. We discovered some lovely pubs, live music where ever you go. We ate in a traditional Irish pub and decided then to lazy about for the rest of the day, which really was not too difficult as we were all pretty exhausted. One thing that shocked us all was how much colder Dublin was than home and the wind from the sea just made it even worse.

I woke up early on Sunday morning because the clocks moved. Andy and the children were still asleep so I took a quick shower and took all my stuff to tape and patch up in the coffee bar of our hotel. I took a strong coffee with some fruit and yoghurt for breakfast as I was worried that my stomach may not cope with anything else. I was so nervous, like any other time. I went to Dublin to enjoy this race. I made a mistake with London in April thinking that I could go and beat my Norfolk time, but all I needed to do was just enjoy the moment. Then of course, I did not feel that good anyway and the moment was spoilt. I thought this time I would go with no expectations and just enjoy the atmosphere.

The plan was to walk to the start near one of the central city parks. I was in a second wave. The city was pretty much gridlocked anyway. However, when I got out in front of the hotel I met a lovely Irish lady and a lad from Kent, Lucinda and Mike who were getting a taxi into the city. I joined them, which was really nice just to chat with someone and forget about my nerves. She said she was planning on trying to get into the first wave in order to avoid being held back by the crowds. We split up once we got there. It was difficult to push through into the first wave anyway. The organisers were checking numbers and making sure everyone joined their wave. Unfortunately, I had to join a toilet queue. Which was rather long. I could have just gone to the start line, but having had issues with my stomach in London and being uncomfortable, I just thought this was more important. As it happens the queue was fun. I got to meet some newbies to marathon running and a very funny Irish girl in her 20s who used the f word quite a lot (must say almost every person we spoke to in Dublin did, it was used in all sorts of occasions to express all sorts of emotions). By the time I got to a free toilet, my wave was on its way. I ran from the toilets to the start line to catch up. That, of course, was hilarious. I was having to duck and dive around fellow runners to find a clear spot for my feet, which meant my pace was all over the place. And like that for several miles. It is not London, but all seasoned big event runners will know what I mean when you are fighting for your small spot of tarmac all the while avoiding being tripped over. Finally, we got into the biggest park in the North West side of the city, Phoenix Park, which is just simply fabulous. Apparently it is a home to an American ambassador to Ireland. And some deer. I loved running through there. I felt light. Found my pace and without effort was passing runners who left the start line before me. I had a cranberry squash and a few haribos. I tried to drink as much as I could and space it as well as I could. It was a cold and wet morning. I did wear my long sleeve top underneath RntS t shirt, new style. I felt great, until I did not. At around mile 22 I felt faint. This was something new. I ignored all my pains and am used to hurting. Mainly my left foot with plantar and the usual painful toes because of bruised toenails. However, I could not ignore feeling faint. I realised I screwed up my fuelling and it was too late by this stage to do anything about it. I chose not to take gels and then remembered that I have been fighting off a cold for the last few weeks of the school term. Silly girl! You can fool about in a half marathon, but not on 26.2 miles. No hiding here. Every decision can be costly. I just thought I would slow down a bit and see how it goes. And it did for a few miles and then at 25 it got so bad I was having weird thoughts of collapsing and being taken away. Not finishing is my biggest nightmare. I kept saying to myself that was the main thing. I am so close and yet so far. What do I do? So I slowed right down to walking and crying. Not sure how long I did that for. People were shouting around me. I just walked and cried. Thankfully it was raining. Then I screamed really loudly and pushed myself forward. Nothing mattered at that point other than crossing the finish line. I was angry with myself for not being as well prepared as I should have been. Forgetting that my body needed more care and that my mind doesn’t work in synchrony with it. I did my best to just focus on the now. I was imagining that pint of Guinness and thinking who I was dedicating this race to. No fainting on the finish line would be ideal. So I got there. Strava says it was a PB but just because I ran almost 26.5 miles. It did not matter because Andy was there at the end to greet me with the kids.

So Dublin! It is a lovely race. Well organised, picturesque route and a great support all the way around. The people are superb. A lovely running spirit. I recommend it, but not sure how easy it would be to get into it. I was lucky as I had a GFA from London. It is very expensive though. Nevertheless, every race is educational. I learnt something again. Not just about racing, but also about myself. I have to say that I prefer smaller events for full enjoyment of running. However, you cannot beat the feeling you get when with 1000s of other human beings battling their personal demons to reach the finish line.

Gordana Sucur-Hills – 3:29:24