Stratford-Upon-Avon Marathon

I’ve just run 26 miles and I’m writing this blog from the car park – no, not through choice but because I’m stuck here and have been for over two hours. It seems all 3,300 runners for this week’s Stratford-Upon–Avon marathon, were all directed to the same car park and with only a single track out, I could be here for a while yet. Such a shame, because this on top of the extortionate parking charges has really put a dampner on what otherwise was a very well organised and enjoyable run.

The Gods were smiling on us today with the weather. For the first time in weeks the clouds came over, keeping this run to a cool 19 degrees and with a gusting wind at times, it was even a bit too cool – but I daren’t complain about that, given the extreme heat I’ve faced in recent weeks!

Alex and I arrived in Stratford Saturday, for our first visit to this beautiful town. We arrived just in time to see the annual celebrations for the anniversary of Shakespear’s birth and death – he was born and died on St Georges Day. Thousands of people in costume, paraded the streets of Stratford, accompanied by big marching bands and folk dancers. We whiled away the day strolling around the pretty streets and enjoying the festivities.

We lunched at Café Rouge where we were very excited to see Dame Judy Dench on a table very close to us. She looked as though she was with her family, so we didn’t disturb her lunch but as massive fans of hers and the Bond movies we were both a little star struck. Alex, was of course, devastated that Daniel Craig wasn’t also at the table but I’ve explained to her that there are plenty of other marathons this year so there is still a possibility that we might see him before the year is out. It should be said here in case anyone doesn’t know, that as well as the Bond movies, Dame Judy is versatile actor who has performed in many Shakespearian plays, which probably explains her presence in Stratford on this special weekend. Anyway, her presence at the restaurant gave us a great fundraising idea – perhaps for the end of next year - a 00 and diamond themed ball.

After a lovely day and all the excitement at lunch, we headed to our accommodation… the local YMCA. It was my first time staying at a youth hostel for quite a few years and I was surprised to find that the word ‘youth’ is rather deceptive, as we weren’t even the oldest people in the place! The accommodation was very basic but clean and was very reasonablely priced considering it also included a free all you could eat hot buffet breakfast.

It was at breakfast on Sunday morning that I found many others had shared our idea and were also at the hostel for the run. It was here that I met Steve Price, a Liverpudlian who was in Stratford to complete his 95th marathon. A seasoned professional marathon runner, he gave me plenty of tips on great marathons to attempt and, after his rave report, Seville is now definitely on my agenda.

I went to the start area with Steve, where he introduced me to many other seasoned marathon runners that he’d met on his travels throughout the years. These included Gary Wade who was excited to be running his 100th marathon and, once complete, would be part of the exclusive 100 marathons club. They said that perhaps after I’d got the bug this year, it might be something for me to aim for. With my knee as it is at the moment though I’m not convinced I could ever reach a hundred marathon marker. Congratulations to Gary, who I met up with again at the finish line – you did it.

The marathon itself was very scenic. The start line was by the famous Royal Shakespear Theatre. With relatively few runners, there were no start pens and marathon and ½ marathon runners were side by side trying to find a space on the narrow road. It didn’t take long for the runners to space out and for me to find my pace. The first mile was a loop around the town which was lovely as you got to go back by the start line. The crowd was great clapping and cheering – this is me at this point – you’ll notice in considerably better form than those of me at the end of the race!

The aim for me today was to not be overtaken by Scooby!

The course then takes you out into the country. I was doing really well until the ½ marathon marker. For the first half of the race all the marathon and half marathon runners are following the same course but just before the 13 mile marker, the race splits and the half marathon runners are directed towards the finish line. It is psychologically gruelling at this point to know someone you’ve been running alongside is now off for a hot cup of tea and rest whilst you’ve got to do the same all over again.

Still, I made it round in 3hrs59mins, which I was pleased with considering this is my fourth consecutive weekend of marathons and ultra runs on the trot. I’m looking forward to a couple of weeks rest from running to recover and focus on my publicity campaign to drive sponsorship, before attempting what I’ve been told today, is a very tough marathon along the Great Wall of China. I can’t wait for it though, especially since Tuhin and Chris from B&Q’s multimedia team are coming out with me, to get some footage for a film they need to put together of my adventures and progress this year.

Finally I sign off this week's blog with mention of another inspirational runner I met at the finish. Danny Kay. Danny is a well respected runner, having completed every Bath ½ marathon since it began, even though last year he had to complete it in a wheel chair, having been hit by a car and broken his ankle. I’m pleased to say he was back on his feet for this race though, which he took in his stride.

Another hour has passed since I started this blog making waiting time to get out of the car park more than three hours – of course leaving would be quicker if my legs hadn’t now ceased up and I could extend the right one to give the car some gas!

Back with another blog in three weeks, once I’ve (hopefully) completed the Great Wall of China.