21 Mar 2015 – Charnwood Marathon

Rawlins School and Community Centre in Quorn was the location for the start of this year mis-named Charnwood Marathon as there are two distances to choose from a 16 and 27, neither of which exactly constitutes a marathon, but for £10 (£5 of which goes to charity) and some fabulous views you can’t really go wrong. Six [first claim] Striders and Rob Beers made the trip all opting for the 16 miles distance with six of the participants competing in races the following day the plan was for a steady and enjoyable run around Charnwood.
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At home among a number of salty looking fell racers is was no surprise to see Greg Pettingill coming in 5th and complete the course in 2:06 followed home by the youthful Alex Riley, a new addition to the Striders with bags of potential, home in 2:16 then Michael Atton who seemed to have completely forgotten that he had the Ashby 20 the next day in 2:26 and bringing up the rear, ably led by Rob Beers from start to finish was John Houghton, Dan Valencia and Simon Bottrill all finishing in 2:46.
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This was a great event with the organisers laying on an impressive spread for the returning runners/walkers including hot & cold beverages, 4 different soups, filled rolls and vast array of cakes. [Simon]
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My Fourth Charnwood Marathon and for myself the best race in Leicestershire, more ascent than Charnwood Hills, stunning route and all for a mere tenner going towards a great cause. With fixture pile up today’s race would only be a gentle outrun with the boys so no building on last year’s colossal placing (Have I ever mentioned that?).  As per usual the group are unable to stay together due to sheer excitement of being in a race with both Alex  Riley and Michael Atton chasing `Salty old Fell Runner` Greg Pettingill from the race start at Rawlings college Quorn.
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It’s quite a pull in the first two miles even up to Woodhouse Eaves although our group aren’t racing there is camaraderie thus anyone walking up the Hills gets the round in, thankfully our strong Stilton legs have no problems with upper Broombriggs, Beacon Hill, Windmill Hill or Cardiac Hill. Into Bradgate Park and were all running really well, we did forget our selfie at the top of Old John but we have real fun navigating our own way to Swithland gates where again we scoffed cake. Through Swithland woods and Swithland village and an easier three miles back to Quorn, 16.3 miles in all a wonderful day out in great company, we got some smashing photos and ended up at a Pub in Barrow on Soar.  [Rob]
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