Hamsterley Forest marathon 2012

This clashed with the Lakeland Trails marathon that I enjoyed last year, but as Hamsterley was nearer and it was the first time it had been held, I thought I would give it a go. As the date got nearer I remembered that last time I ran through Hamsterley in June the midges had been awful so I was beginning to think I had made a error. As it turned out they weren't a problem for me ay all, but one runner was covered in bites.

Crazy Lady from my club asked if she could run with me. As she is faster than me I didn't think she would stay with me too long, but she stayed until 23m and then sped off. I think I probably ran a bit faster then I would have done on my own

The course started with 2m flat section along road followed by 3 laps of 7.5m ending with the same 2m back to the start/finish. Each lap consisted of 3 climbs uphill to halfway and then a lovely gentle 3.5m gentle downhill section. We walked all the hills and then made good time on the downhills.

The weather was pretty good, there was a bit of wind but on the climbs we were sheltered by the trees and and on the downhills it was behind us  Very light drizzle now and then but that helped to keep us cool. Plenty of water stations and marshalls and even a fetchpoint consisting of Jovi Runner and Nrgee - thank you for your encouragement 

Another well organised North East Marathon Club event

Very pleased to finish under 5 hours - 4h 51min