The third annual trail marathon, raising funds for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, uses the former railway line from Norwich to Alysham via Reepham which is now a public footpath and cycle route. About 200 runners assembled in the community centre near the start line, just outside the city centre. What no portaloos?? Real lavatories and somewhere warm to wait were a treat when so many events require queueing in the rain for a temporary toilet. After the race briefing (the highlight of which was “if I see any of you dropping any litter you’ll be disqualified and banned from all future races, it’s discusting”) we had a nervous walk over to the start line. Glorious sunshine made me realise I was overdressed (thanks February), as I made nervous small-talk with my fellow runners (“how many marathons have you done?” “Which parkrun do you go to?”). A lap of Sloughbottom Park is required to make up the distance, but after that it was straight along the gravelly path.
I grew up on the Marriotts Way. Daily dog walks with Bracken the border terrier, bike rides with friends, picking strawberries from the field, and running. Lots of running. As we went past the turn up for my family home, I could spot the roof of the house amidst the trees, and the tower of the church a little further over.
Fields gave way to houses, a few roads to cross and dog walkers to dodge before reaching the old station at Whitwell. The smell of the Diesel engine greeted us, from the little bit of train track that remains here. The half way point! Crowds cheered us through and onwards towards Reepham.
The third quarter of a race is always the hardest for me, fatigue and boredom set in and there’s still so far to go. And the niggle with my knee began to be more than just a niggle. The bright sunshine, other path users and the tail end of the half marathoners were barely registered by my pain-addled brain.
“Only a parkrun to go!” called another struggling runner. My headphones got tangled with my water tube so I ran (jogged/shuffled) the last 5k with only my thoughts for company. “It’ll soon be over - bath, takeaway, beer.” After the hell of the ramp up from the former train tracks to the town of Alysham, the cheering crowds meant I was at least smiling for the photo my mum took. There’s got to be easier ways of getting a tshirt and a medal.
Apart from the actual running part, this was a really enjoyable event. There was a real community feel, it was well organised and a great route. Thank you to the event organisers Positive Steps and all the volunteers, including those from the East Anglian Air Ambulance. And massive kudos for a waste-free event. Maybe just the half next year...
The third quarter of a race is always the hardest for me, fatigue and boredom set in and there’s still so far to go. And the niggle with my knee began to be more than just a niggle. The bright sunshine, other path users and the tail end of the half marathoners were barely registered by my pain-addled brain.
“Only a parkrun to go!” called another struggling runner. My headphones got tangled with my water tube so I ran (jogged/shuffled) the last 5k with only my thoughts for company. “It’ll soon be over - bath, takeaway, beer.” After the hell of the ramp up from the former train tracks to the town of Alysham, the cheering crowds meant I was at least smiling for the photo my mum took. There’s got to be easier ways of getting a tshirt and a medal.
Apart from the actual running part, this was a really enjoyable event. There was a real community feel, it was well organised and a great route. Thank you to the event organisers Positive Steps and all the volunteers, including those from the East Anglian Air Ambulance. And massive kudos for a waste-free event. Maybe just the half next year...
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