Osmotherley Phoenix Marathon
3rd July 2011

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).

Home : Race Results : Runners Pages