Endurance Life CTS Northumberland 2018

Last year I think I spat out my dummy over this event. I just wasn't in the mood for it, the tide was in so it was often a choice between running on very soft sand or running in the sea. I tried both and neither worked very well. I had a terrible second half and walked lots. However, I somehow managed to get third prize in my age category 😕

And the prize was an online discount code for another Endurance Life event. Given that most of them are miles away, it seemed the obvious thing to do was to enter it again and see if it went any better.

The forecast looked pretty sunny with the wind mainly in our faces for the first six miles or so then the rest of the way it would be behind us. It looked like it would be a bit cold. This was how it turned out. The race ends in Bamburgh Castle and you register there and they put you on a coach to near Alnwick Castle and then you run back.

Melanie was doing the marathon as well so we stayed in Ashington to reduce the driving and arrived at Bamburgh at about 7.45. It is a very pretty venue

and the views are great

Melanie took this lovely one

The briefing took place in a sheltered courtyard this year, which was much better than last year when it took place on the very windy battlements. Then it was on to the warm coaches to the start at Alnwick

It starts with a lovely stretch by the River Aln

My memory of this section to Alnmouth was that it was pretty flat. It isn't, it undulates but nothing too serious. The course had been described as claggy at the briefing, but compared to my other three long events this year it was easy going.

Last year they put in a muddy diversion because the stepping stones were under water, but they were fine to cross this year.

On under the railway line near Lesbury and up some more hills

before we approached Alnmouth harbour

Past the first checkpoint and on to the beach in front of Alnmouth Golf Club

An unusual aspect of this event is there was not a single marshal out on the course, except at checkpoints. It was superbly well marked. They even had signs to let you know that you have taken a wrong turn and should back up. They did supply a GPS on the website and the signed route did diverge from this at one point. Otherwise the whole event appeared to go like clockwork which isn't easy when you have a 10k, half, marathon and ultra. We didn't consider the ultra as it involved running past the finish and doing another 9 mile loop !

On towards Boulmer

and then onto the lovely Longhougton

Before Craster we past the halfway point in 2hr 30min which was fine. On into Craster which looked lovely. Here three children came running towards us thinking Melanie was their Mum. This was news to me. However, their Dad reassured them that she just looked like their Mum. I hope that wasn't just a cover story...

I had my first wobble on the way to Dunstanburgh, I started to walk a bit more than I should have been. However, I picked it up a bit

and on to the dunes above Embleton Beach

Through Low Newton and on to Checkpoint 3 at Newton Links. After this, at about 20m, I realised I was slowing rapidly. Melanie was getting very cold and so she went on to keep warm. I came to the Brunton Burn crossing

In Beadnell Bay there were many kite surfers

I noticed at this point that all the other runners in sight were going round the beach quite high up and it was shorter to go close to the sea. The sand looked a bit wetter, but it was fine. I saved a bit of time doing this, which was helpful later.

On past Beadnell and on to the beach again where I saved more time sticking close to the sea. Last year crossing Annstead Burn meant wading up to the top of my thighs, but this year with the tide out is was much easier. On to Seahouses

and finally on to the beach to Bamburgh. Again so much easier than last year and I employed another direct route. The wind was helping us a lot in this section. I had in mind a finish under 5hr 30min and kept trying to keep going. I just made it by a couple of minutes. I found Melanie who had finished about 10 minutes before me. This was her 49th marathon/ultra which is an amazing achievement ! We went on to the cafe in the Castle and had something to eat before going back to the car. Melanie took this photo before we left.

Age category prizes and only announced during the week following the event, so I am wondering if I will get another online voucher and be doing this again next year ?