As David Byrne once sang, Oh what a day that was.
Thoughts/ reflections/ comments to follow. For now, here's a picture that sums up a remarkable day.
I think Chris would have approved.
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
I'll publish the stats here this week. I can tell you Mike Ellicock (on the left) won in 2:59:43.
Chris Gilbert (on the right) bagged second in 3:00:34. This was no fun run.
Immensley proud of our band of brothers and their families who worked their socks off to make this happen. To find out what the runners thought, check out the comments on our Facebook page. We will get our bespoke website up and running to reflect on today and to look forward to Sunday 13th March 2016.
Special thanks to CharlieCat5, Tom Roper, OutAlongTheRiver and Seafront Plodder of this parrish for services above and beyond. Heroes all.
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
(16-03-2015, 12:21 AM)POMid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote: Wow, close finish!
For next year we should ask Glaconman to make a doco about it.
Good shout. We plan on opening it up to National runners next year, too.
Those two stayed shoulder to shoulder all the way. Mike was in bits at the end, totally shredded. Chris, having run his first full marathon distance ever in 34 seconds over three hours, looked happy as Larry. Some folks just aren't right.
Harveys already confirmed they're on board for 2016 and the council have offered road closures. We'll need to get cracking sooner rather than later, and to get a much more reliable* admin system. One more photo from Sunday, my favourite so far. The leaders are in there ...
*than me
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
(18-03-2015, 01:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote: That last hill looks a brute!
It's a total bastard. Who would do such a thing at Mile 24???
The photos ... I whacked my headphones on last night and ran 'slideshow' on the big screen with a mixture of Elbow/ Muse/ Pink Floyd swimming through my noggin. Tears ran, I can tell you.
One of my favourites, sums up the attitude of the runners all day.
Bless them.
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
(18-03-2015, 07:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 07:03 AM)Sweder Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 01:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote: That last hill looks a brute!
It's a total bastard. Who would do such a thing at Mile 24???
Clearly the organisers didn't have to run it!
Apart from the multiple mapping runs, CharlieCat and Martin Tail Gunner biking it on the day and Brian Courage (great name!) running it on the day, no.
I'd give anything to run the whole thing just once.
One day ...
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
(18-03-2015, 07:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 07:03 AM)Sweder Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 01:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote: That last hill looks a brute!
It's a total bastard. Who would do such a thing at Mile 24???
Clearly the organisers didn't have to run it!
Apart from the multiple mapping runs, CharlieCat and Martin Tail Gunner biking it on the day and Brian Courage (great name!) running it on the day, no.
I'd give anything to run the whole thing just once.
One day ...
Yes MLCMM... I have lost count of the times I have run and biked up that bastard in the name of the Moyleman. On Sunday I did it with a puncture! I've just had an idea of where we might run when you visit soon... ...
(18-03-2015, 07:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 07:03 AM)Sweder Wrote:
(18-03-2015, 01:05 AM)Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man Wrote: That last hill looks a brute!
It's a total bastard. Who would do such a thing at Mile 24???
Clearly the organisers didn't have to run it!
Apart from the multiple mapping runs, CharlieCat and Martin Tail Gunner biking it on the day and Brian Courage (great name!) running it on the day, no.
I'd give anything to run the whole thing just once.
One day ...
Yes MLCMM... I have lost count of the times I have run and biked up that bastard in the name of the Moyleman. On Sunday I did it with a puncture! I've just had an idea of where we might run when you visit soon... ...
On 15th March I took part in the inaugural running of "The Moyleman" Lewes Marathon, held in memory of local runner Chris Moyle who tragically passed away in 2009 aged only 42.
The event was devised by his running colleagues in the Lewes area and featured 80 marathon runners & 10 x 2 person half marathon relay teams.In bracing conditions (although thankfully the forecast rain held off) it was straight into a climb from the start at Landport Bottom as the route headed west to Blackcap, with the pay-off of a descent to the crossing of the A27 at 5 miles.More notable climbing to Castle Hill nature reserve, through a gorgeous valley and up again for stunning views before joining the South Downs Way and the welcome plunge down the "Yellow Brick Road".After crossing the C7 the halfway point is reached at Southease, featuring one of the many re-fuelling stops along the route, where you can gaze longingly at the daunting sight of the next climb, Itford Hill.
From here along to Bo Peep was the only part I was familiar with and as the head wind started to take effect, it was a case of head down and plough on whilst taking the time to acknowledge former Strider Bill Young at the spot where he is fondly remembered.
Next it was the turn of the quads to take a pounding on the steep road descent of the Bostal before joining the Old Coach Road at another water station. This marked the 20 mile point where I started to tire and both hamstrings cramped up. The mind started wandering and despite the more than adequate signage, at one point I almost found myself in a cowshed! Worryingly, I was now starting to run/walk and promptly gave myself a good talking to. I wanted to get in under 5 hrs, which I'd hoped would be considered mildly respectable, so it was time to take 2 tablespoons of cement and harden the **** up.
I was glad to get off the Coach Road track, cross the A27 and reach Glynde. Mount Caburn comes next at 24 miles which although daunting is at least a consistent yomp. Downhill again into a valley before a sting in the tail with the last steep climb near the Golf course, where cramp set in again amid much nervous glancing at my watch. Finally a plummet down Chapel Hill, along Cliffe High Street and the finish in Harveys yard in 4.58.24. The complimentary pint & burger didn't touch the sides and the massage worked wonders.
Both Lewes runners Mike Ellicock triumphed in, to me, an unbelievable 2.59.43 with Chris Gilbert 3.00.34 in his first marathon.
Spectacular route, wonderfully marshalled (take a bow Tom Roper), the whole thing was quite frankly, faultless. A fitting tribute to Chris Moyle, it had a real feel of being organised by runners, for runners, and Race Director Ash Head said this is the way it shall remain.
Chris Wrathall
The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph
It's been said before, but worth saying again, this was a really special day. I've done a lot of races in the last few years but none match this one. Massive thanks for the brilliant organisation, and to all the dedicated helpers, and special thanks to the lead cyclists who were really good company all the way round. Only question is whether to run or marshal next year (probably depends if I can get away with the 4 months training or if my family want to see me a bit more this year)
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