This was my 3rd Marathon to date, although it is a 2 lap Marathon its still enjoyable. If don't know the area then the 2 laps are not an issue. Woke the morning of the race with one main niggle, my calf was tight. I iced and stretched as much as I could without causing more discomfort. This played on my mind all the way to the start line. Then as soon as the clock struck 9 the discomfort went and mind was now focused on my plan. My plan was to run a consistent pace and not to stress if it went up or down, as I had done on my previous two Marathons.
The Start line is in the town, in front of some Tudor buildings, the first mile you run through the town past Shakespeare's birthplace then out into some picture postcard villages with thatched houses into the countryside. The crowds in the villages were amazing, shouting and handing out jelly babies.
Towards the end of the first lap you branch off from the half marathon runners, and go back into the villages that were there for you the first time. It was amazing to still see some of the crowd still cheering us all on.
I struggled at mile 23, but managed to power through. The last mile I put my foot down and went for it!...I managed to finish with a smile on my face and a 3.45 PB was achieved taking 4 mins off my previous time.
Overall the marathon is well organised, well marshalled and easy to get to.
Next marathon is my biggest challenge to date! the Snowdonia Marathon Wales http://www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk/.....hills, hills and more hills......