Chester Marathon

68 watchers

AJLB Sep 2019 7:16pm, 25 Sep 2019 103 posts	0 AJLB Thanks for the summary Larkim. From your description and my memory of a couple of years ago, the second half of the course if tougher, and I'm thinking of going out at the faster end of my pace range to compensate - nothing too crazy, and I know "banking time" is heresy, but it doesn't strike as the kind of course for negative splits.
Homer Sep 2019 7:52pm, 25 Sep 2019 13,295 posts	0 Homer I have a suspicion that you know what you're doing AJLB
larkim Sep 2019 9:47pm, 25 Sep 2019 8,784 posts	0 larkim Geographically the bridge crossing just after half way must be at a higher elevation than the finish which is by the same river closer to the sea., So I'm not sure it is really harder in the second half. I suppose it's just that the city itself is lumpier than the countryside. But I think we all know the second half will be harder Have a great run up there in the distance AJLB!
Bazoaxe Sep 2019 9:56pm, 25 Sep 2019 15,267 posts	0 Bazoaxe Tha its interesting local knowledge larkim, but I certainly feel the 2nd half has a more uphill feel to it....maybe more the last quarter
larkim Sep 2019 8:41am, 26 Sep 2019 8,785 posts	0 larkim It's definitely all about the feel, not the elevation graphs. The drop in the river is about 5m from Holt down to Chester, so not much, and the course is of course a loop so there's no net gain / loss overall. Definitely the luimpier sandstone ridge aspect of Cheshire runs in the north so the town is slightly elevated (GCSE geography etc would tell you that's why there's a large settlement there!), so its not that surprising that the first and last quarters are where it's more undulating.
flanker Sep 2019 11:23am, 26 Sep 2019 18,607 posts	0 flanker Other than the quick push up Sandy Lane, it's always the first climb out of town that feels the only real ascent in the race.
larkim Sep 2019 11:33am, 26 Sep 2019 8,789 posts	0 larkim Yep, though I would say the climb out between Hope / Farndon from the river is worth knowing about in advance, just so it doesn't take you by surprise. It is a good flat and fast course, no doubt. I've got Snowdonia 3 weeks after Chester. A contrast!!
Sjjh Sep 2019 12:05pm, 26 Sep 2019 399 posts	0 Sjjh That's a great summary for someone having no clue what to expect. Looking forward to it. Disciplined start for me on the cards, hopefully!
Homer Sep 2019 12:10pm, 26 Sep 2019 13,301 posts	0 Homer Good idea Sijh, that early hill will keep you calm. Am I right in thinking that the metric starts an hour after the full?
larkim Sep 2019 12:13pm, 26 Sep 2019 8,792 posts	0 larkim 10am compared to a 9am for the imperial marathoners Race booklet link here - activeleisureevents.co.uk Wise to check yourself and don't trust me!