Growing in numbers year on year, the relatively new Brighton Marathon is fast becoming a “must do” on the running calendar. This years was only the eighth running of the event, but already its grown to a whopping 12,000 competitors.
The backdrop of glistening seas and its reputation as the 2nd fastest course in the country are clearly big draws for runners from all over the country.
Our fantastic five were a juxtaposition of experience this year. The seasoned marathon trio of Steve Rumsey, Phil Mannall and Steve Hickman, who have racked up an astonishing 195 marathons between them alongside Steve Morris and Belinda Rockall, our only girl in the race this year, tackling her first. But that is a part of the beauty of marathon running – the David and Goliath of it, but that you are all in some way, “in it together” battling the same battle, fighting the same fight…..to just….keep…. moving…..
Starting at a Preston Park, the course snakes its way through the city, before heading out to Ovingdean. The runners then made their way back towards the pier and along the seafront into Hove. They then emerge back onto the seafront and out to the dreaded power station at Southwick. Then the welcome sight of Hove lawns take the runners back along the Kingsway with the mirage of the never approaching Pier (and the finish line) dangling in front of them like a carrot.
“It was horrid out there today” said Steve H “runners were dropping like flies, conditions were definitely hindered. But support on the route was, as always, brilliant.”
And he would know, he’s run every single Brighton marathon to date (along with 128 others!)
“It was a tad warm” said Steve R “after half way I decided not to push it. Hopefully I am now fine tuned for London in 2 weeks”
Phil Mannall however, rose to the occasion. Despite the 23c heat in the final stages of the race he maintained his fast pace from the first 20 miles to romp home to a new PB of 3.13.46, placing him 11th in his age category.
It was Bel, however that had us all shouting at our iPads and screaming in to our phones as we tracked her progress around the 26.2 miles. the road runners did what they do best, and cheered her on as she battled her way around the course in the steering heat. Having had to defer her place last year after 18 months of injury, Bel had really embraced the challenge.
“That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done” “It was so hot, the water stations were running out of water”
“I had to dig really deep, it was so hard” “I am so tired I don’t know what to do with myself!”
But the harder the battle, the sweeter the reward. The road back from injury has been a long and hard one, but she did it, and she did it with a smile on her face and a lion in her heart.
S.Rumsey – 3.06.05
P. Mannall – 3.13.46
S.Morris – 4.34.47
S. Hickman – 4.39.44
B. Rockall – 5.51.05
