Martello Marathon

Friday morning… 8.30am and 4 Roadrunners are on the startline of the Martello Marathon.

Yes you did read that right! Friday!! As a part of their Saxon Shore series, the Martello is the fourth event in 5 days in the area.

Glen Jones made the journey up to Folkestone in Kent to take part in his second installment of his 12 marathons in 12 months challenge, accompanied at the last minute by Michael Coultrup and Sarah Holmes, who decided to tag along to surprise Steve Hickman, (who lives in the area), on the startline.

After an amusing night in a local hostelry, the 3 made their way along the seafront to the startline at Leas funicular underneath a beautifully clear azure sky. Of course, as Glen was running a marathon, the temperatures had shot up to an unseasonably warm 15c without a breath of wind.

“I knew the hot weather curse would return! It was only snowing 2 weeks ago!” said Glen

So off they went… 3 8.74 mile laps faced them in this small and friendly race. Each lap and out and back along the seafront to Hythe and the 19th century defence forts known as the Martello Towers, before making the turn back to base.

Michael has a cracking run, finishing in 5th overall in a little over 3 and a half hours

“I really enjoyed that” he beams at the finish line “I felt comfortable all the way”

Glen was next to complete the 3 laps with an even bigger smile on his face and deservedly so. He’s only gone and run another sub 4 hour time!

“I’m so chuffed” said the very happy chairman “I felt great all the way. I found someone to run with from 2 miles onwards which was nice”

Holmsie was next to finish with marathon legend Steve Hickman close behind her.

“I actually enjoyed that!” she said “The weather made it! I was dreading a freezing cold windfest, but it was a glorious Springlike day with lots of people out walking their dogs and enjoying the sunshine”