Chester Marathon
a spectator’s view
The Chester Marathon in the last 10 yrs has grown into one of the best running events on the runners calendar, and with the recent introduction of the Metric (26.2km) Marathon it is offering a unique set of options. I freely admit it is one of my favourite races (ok, it is my PB marathon course), and have enjoyed running in either event virtually every year except – year 1 and this year. I still ventured up to the old Roman City to support Alistair and Marc (and a few others who I know) as they took part – and for these two it was their first marathon.
Due to the weather, some changes had to be made with the route, but it did not dampen the excitement around the race HQ, as the runners arrived aided by the cheerful guy on the PA. I met up with both Ali & Marc and another runner (who I have managed to coach onto his first marathon) provide a few last minutes tips with the biggest one: enjoy it! With the change in the start area (which had limited access) I walked off into the city and took up a place near the Cathedral where I knew the runners would be running past. Sure enough, at 9.10 they started to stream past – with large gaggles amassed near the pacer runners – but I did manage to see our MRC guys – just.
Then it was time for coffee, a little wander and then to see the start of the Metric and another 2000 runners run past. I have to say, I had 4 points in the day where I thought ‘Oh – I should be out there’, 1 was walking to the race HQ and getting that marathon buzz, second seeing them near the cathedral and thirdly now – as the Metric runners ran past Eastgate and down the rod and over Handbridge to run out of the city. It is nice though seeing the masses run past and chatting to a marshal nearby (as you do). While it is great to see good runners fly past – it is amazing to see the number of slower runners at the start – all the different shapes and sizes, but one must give them great credit for starting such an event. They are an inspiration – prob more so than the likes of the quick runner at the front.
So, time for a little shopping (fudge, LFC – the Whisky shop was closed, sad to say), before walking down to the river to be close to the finish area. The atmosphere was exciting knowing the first runners would be coming past shortly – and so they did – in just under 2hrs 30mins – with the first 10 men all under 2.40. So, I waited for our guys to come, checked on the online results – they got to 30k and were holding a very steady pace just over 9mins. Sure enough, just before 1pm – I saw Ali running past – got to say looking very well, and then about 30secs later – Marc trotted past – both under the 4hrs.
Seeing all the runners finish was the final time I thought ‘I should be out there now’. Many running for charity, many smiling as they neared the finish line, many just grimacing as the pain kicked in but – but they knew it was close, many stopping today hi to families. The odd dad carrying a child with them over the line, and sadly a few being helped over the line by the fab marshals. The crowd cheered all, with a guy saying to his son, ‘Look shout for Fred’, and so his son did – but they didn’t know who Fred was – they just cheered. It as a good couple of hours standing in the wind, rain and sun looking on and hearing the support.
Finally, one has to congratulate both Ali (whose training was disrupted) and Marc for getting round the marathon; and both in under the 4hrs. It is an achievement which should not be underestimated – regardless of level. I know with Marc, he trained and stuck to the plan, which greatly aided him. I also know both he & another runner who I have coached – had issues during the race, but they carried on. They should remember now; they are marathon runners – and no one can take that away from them.
