I thoroughly recommend this race, which is well organised and
has less than 800 runners (so not enough people to get in the way).
Well marshalled plus decent medal and a technical shirt in the
goodie-bag.
Vibram Five-Fingers in training allowed Asics Piranha SP3 shoes to
be used for the marathon. The Piranha's weigh 140g each (half the
weight of normal marathon shoes) and are considered best for
distances up to 5k. By running on the balls of feet there is no
need for the heel cushioning but it does stress the calf
muscles.
Abingdon Ranked Top in UK For PBs in 2010 Runners World Poll.
This is the first marathon I have ever done "with negative splits". 1:36 out and 1:34 back. Wonderful feeling finishing strongly and being able to sprint the last few hundred metres in an Athletics Stadium to the finish line. All my previous marathon efforts have ended in wall-hit near-death experiences as I crawl over the finish line, having slowed dramatically over the last few miles. Pleasant 10 degrees weather helped.
by Jim Graham