Clarendon marathon 2016

It was a wonderful feeling to be getting back to this race after a 3-year absence.  After a wet Saturday, race day dawned bright and sunny, and the lovely Mrs S and I set off to Salisbury for the start.  There we met Becky from RRR, who was doing her first Clarendon after a touch-and-go ankle adventure.

Romsey Road Runners ready for racing

The air horn sounded and off we went, all trying to find a comfortable pace.  I tried very hard to be sensible and did the first K in 4:03, which was sort-of OK. It was really hard to tell how well I was doing, as there were relay and marathon runners together, and after a while I started catching up slower marathoners who had started early.

Probably the fastest bit of the course is the gently downhill section of road as you emerge from the downs into Broughton village.  The LMS was waiting for me and we ran down the road together, Mrs S a bit astonished by the cracking pace, me sniggering slightly at the rather flattering impression of high-octane running that was being inferred.

The second half got hillier and muddier.  My legs were starting to feel heavy, but I was feeling good and staying steady. Up in to Farley Mount and into West Wood... and then the first of the half marathon runners came through, briefly causing me panic.  With 2 miles to go I overtook someone who looked like he was having a tough time.  It had been a very quiet race in terms of competition, so it was nice to have competitors around, but I whizzed past him.

Mrs S accompanied me again for the last 400m of road, egging me to go faster.  I really thought I was about to be overtaken and pushed hard.  And then over the finish line and suddenly I was being told I'd come in second place.  The Winchester Mayor was handing out prizes and shaking hands.  I think she may have regretted our encounter as my hand was horribly sweaty and had the remnants of a gel pack that I'd opened badly.  I imagine her staring aghast at her once-white gloves afterwards.
 

Sullying the mayor's prstine gloves

The wonderful, lovely Mrs S

So, home in second place in 3:12:39... par for the course in terms of time, but my best placing yet. Here are my stats. A fabulous day on a favourite race.