Osmotherley Phoenix Marathon
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Unofficial Result |
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In the North York Moors this week, another hilly but beautiful marathon. It takes part in the pretty village of Osmotherley. Which hosts its own “Summer Games” weekend and basically has a 17 mile Walk/Run, marathon and an ultra-marathon of 33 miles, in the village square at the finish line where there are 3 thriving pubs (well they were this weekend!), the village holds a fete with coconut stalls, three legged races, swings for the kids, BBQs, (there’s even a chip shop for Keith!) and beat the goalie played on a small area of grass on the corner of the road. The marathon takes in around 3000 feet of ascent and some very open moorland (I quite expected to stumble into a pub called “The Slaughtered Lamb” at one point!). Refreshments are offered at 7 checkpoints around the course. There is a random kit check and those discovered not taking the requisite kit are given a time penalty of 30 minutes. The route descriptions are very vague in places and a map is required to navigate safely over the moors. It’s a tough old brute in places, especially at mile 16 which seems to climb forever! but its also very enjoyable too. Over 400 competitors this year (Full) made it a record entry for the race. You even get a FREE massage post race if you require one.
Next week I’m splitting the Country in half and Running a marathon Up North on Saturday in Yorkshire (hills)then on Sunday to the South for another one in Kent (ah…more hills).