Sunday 14th June and a trio of MACs headed up t’north for the Roche Abbey Ramble. The course was probably more suited to rambling than running (a good walk spoiled according to our Treasurer) – but a proper mixture of trail terrain – plenty of tree routes to trip over, lots of stiles and kissing gates, a field with waist high (in some cases shoulder high) crops to battle through, and stepping stones across the river. And just in case you made it around the course unscathed, there were four laps for the marathon to maximise the chance of a mishap.
The event had been in the diary since December, booked simultaneously whilst sat in Malaga airport waiting lounge after the Malaga marathon, thanks to a festive 25% discount.
The trio’s preparations were not necessarily perfect – Dennis had just worked a nightshift so had 30 minutes recovery time between finishing work and being collected at 7:00. Dan had popped out for a couple of drinks the night before – and didn’t stop after a couple. Andy was attempting a return to marathon distance following several months out to recover from his annual injury. At least Andy and Dan’s heroics in the Hairy Helmet two days before should have sharpened the legs up a bit!
Dennis proved that running a marathon after a nightshift isn’t the perfect plan, so dropped down to the 20 miler, but still had a great run.
The highlight of the day is of course MaraDan ticking off marathon number 75 – an awesome achievement, and now setting his final flightpath to bash off another 25 on his mission for 100 marathons. A full week’s recovery before his next one.
Andy had not run over 20 miles in training, so the aim was to finish unbroken – job done.
The course was well signed (even Andy didn’t get lost) – friendly marshals and we all finished with a splendid medal and a chip butty. A lovely race from the Grim up North team – full results available at https://my.raceresult.com/406130/
