Is this really February ? The weather was just amazing. This is the third time I have entered this event and it was so much warmer than in the previous two years. There was a bit of a breeze on the coast but it was behind us all the way. The tide was out so there was plenty of room on the beaches to run on firm sand.
The scenery on the Northumberland coast is just lovely, castles, beaches. We started at Bamburgh Castle as usual, but instead of registering inside the castle we used some marquees just outside the entrance. It was a very efficient system and we had our briefing inside marquee which kept us warmer as it was a bit chilly before we started. A disadvantage with this arrangement was we were given a discount to enter the castle afterwards so we didn't have free access to the cafe in the castle.
Some of these photos were taken by Melanie so thanks to her 😀
We started as usual near Alnwick Castle (the parkrun there had been cancelled for this week) and we travelled to Alnwick by coach. It was still chilly at this point but they didn't wait long before starting us off.
We mainly followed the river towards Alnmouth and it soon warmed up, lots of people were stopping, including us, to strip off layers.
and crossed the stepping stones
Alnmouth looked lovely as usual
Through the first checkpoint and on to Boulmer and Longhougton. We passed some Elvet Striders runners and they passed us as we made our way up the coast. About a mile after Alnmouth we caught up with Jane who we remained with and chatted to until the end.
Through Craster and on to Dunstanburgh Castle
At Embleton we stayed on the dunes and along beside the golf course
On to Beadnell bay
This was around 20 miles and at this point my energy just went. No idea why, it was perfect conditions. I hadn't slept too well but I have had a poor night before a race and run well the following day. Oh well, it was just one of those days where it doesn't happen. But the scenery was lovely to make up for that 😀
One of the temptations of entering this race is for the last two years I have placed in my age category for which I have won a discount for another race. As their events are spread around the country, I have always gone for the local one. They don't do age category prizes on the day so sometime this week I might hear something....
Favourable weather always raises a smile, as do Melanie LHs super pictures. Memories a plenty of the Coastal Run for me, many years ago. No castle I know - and I've visited many - broods as atmospherically as Dunstanburgh.
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