World Marathon Majors - a 6 star quest
2 lurkers |
31 watchers
Apr 2023
8:40am, 26 Apr 2023
2,449 posts
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Big_G
Well done Macca. I know you haven’t mentioned times but I have to confess, I did check out your training entry and saw you did very well (comfortable sub 3 at both!). Very well done. I know of maybe 3 or 4 who did around the same times at Boston and London (one or two a bit quicker at London) and another 3 or 4 who were significantly slower, like me! I do think it was the flights etc that caused my crap performance, but I’m still glad I did both and would do so again. It is a pretty special double I reckon, so congrats. I suppose I have to ask, but what is your favourite major so far? Of London (3 times), Berlin and Boston, I think Boston is a pretty clear favourite of mine so far. I loved London and Berlin, and previously I’d have said Berlin was my favourite, but Boston was just superb. The whole trip was just brilliant for me and the race itself surpassed all my expectations. Previously I used to say Barcelona was my favourite marathon that I’ve done, but I think now it’s Boston way out ahead. |
Apr 2023
11:35am, 26 Apr 2023
1,868 posts
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Vixx
I know you weren't asking me Big_G but I loved New York. It's joint #1 on my list of favourites. Great day out, and whilst you have to wait on Staten Island to start (and get there!) it's all very well organised, and the bit over the Verrazano-Narrows bridge is the only peace and quiet you'll have all day!
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Apr 2023
12:34pm, 26 Apr 2023
1,016 posts
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Maccathecracker
Thanks Big_G, I'm really pleased with both times and don't think I could have squeezed any more out of either on the day. I think I recall you're coming back from injury, I was in a similar position last year and couldn't have done similar b2b then. Good question, London. Watched it on TV as a child, my first marathon, mum used to come and watch, 90mins from my own bed to starting pen, club mates on and around the course, crowds, landmarks, I could go on. That said, I've loved all the others I've done and but for cost would do them all again if I could. There was something special about NY so that comes a close second. Vixx - begs the question, what is the other joint no 1 ? |
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Apr 2023
1:13pm, 26 Apr 2023
2,451 posts
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Big_G
Nice one Macca. You mentioned knowing runners out on the course. My club organises the Dartmoor Discovery race (32 mile, hilly, road race), and when I’ve ran it I know most of the marshals, helpers and a lot of the runners. It makes it a special race so I kind of know where you’re coming from. My club’s chairman has done nearly 200 marathons and counts London as his favourite - he says there’s nothing quite like being in PB shape and racing London. I’ve never been in decent shape the times I’ve done it, probably the nearest I’ve been in a major was Berlin and I understood what he meant. Seville is my PB course though - pancake flat, fast and easy to get into a rhythm. Vixx, thanks for responding. NYC is very high up on my list of races I want to do. I’ve heard the start logistics are similar to Boston, but I’d love to do that race. |
Apr 2023
1:20pm, 26 Apr 2023
22,540 posts
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DeeGee
One of my favourite things about Berlin and Chicago is that they start and finish in the same place, bang in the middle of the city. While I'm still early enough to make plans for, New York, what are the biggest things I need to worry about, logistics wise, on race day? As I understand it, I get a bus or a boat from Manhattan to somewhere near the start. I'm guessing there's lots of hanging about? I had a friend once who secured accommodation for the night before on Staten Island (she had a hotel in Manhattan for the whole weekend but had a room on SI as well!). I guess this is overkill? What level of hanging about is there? Is there anything to do to fill time without a bag or anything other than what I'm standing in while I wait for the start? I've bought a knackered old cagoule from a charity shop for a couple of quid which has some pockets so I can carry a bit of food while I wait... |
Apr 2023
1:32pm, 26 Apr 2023
9,743 posts
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becca7
There is a lot of hanging about. I overdid the early arrival too so I was there for hours. No need to stay on Staten Island. I stayed in Harlem both years and had no trouble getting to the ferry. I took a magazine to read and had some warm layers to discard. They have refreshments available. |
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Apr 2023
1:33pm, 26 Apr 2023
1,869 posts
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Vixx
I'll answer DeeGee first. A coach to SI is often included - particularly if you go with someone like SportsTours. I did it a while back (06) for Anthony Nolan. They take you to the military grounds on SI so there is room to lie down and snooze if you wish. Many people took blankets and duvets, or sat and read books. 'Breakfast' of sorts was provided - doughnuts, powerbars, bagels and tea/coffee, as much as you wanted. As usual - all stuff left behind is collected up and given to charity. I tried to stay on UK time as getting up was much easier then as you have to be on SI by 7am unless you are taking the ferry I think. |
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Apr 2023
1:40pm, 26 Apr 2023
1,870 posts
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Vixx
Maccathecracker - my joint #1 is not necessarily one people would expect. Luxembourg. An evening/night race, starting around 7pm on a Saturday night in June. The whole principality comes out to party, and where I used to joke that it was two laps around the border, I think it's more like a figure of 8. There were bands in the big squares, people out in every pub and restaurant. I was in the last 10 to finish and at midnight, a brass band was packing up to go home, saw me coming along and started playing and jogging alongside me for a bit, and about 15 minutes later, I went past the last pub on the course and loads of people sat outside and on the pavements, and they also saw me and there was a collective ROAR from the whole group. The finish was indoors, with a DJ, cheerleaders and confetti guns, with a party for all the finishers until 2:30am (race finished at 1am). Your name also gets put up on a screen as you cross the finish line. I'd like to do it again, but so far have found other races to do (there are so many I would love to do!) |
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Apr 2023
11:40pm, 26 Apr 2023
1,017 posts
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Maccathecracker
That sounds brilliant Vixx. Would never have guessed Luxembourg, I'll have to have a look at their videos on the website shortly. DeeGee, there's loads of info here runarweb.com Nearer the time you'll get asked whether you want to get a bus straight to the start from Manhattan or the ferry then a bus to the start. I selected the latter for the boat trip experience (and it has toilets) and didn't have too much waiting around at the start after I'd scoffed a bagel and downed a few coffees. It was very warm last year but if cold and wet, might drag a bit. |
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Apr 2023
8:54am, 27 Apr 2023
2,452 posts
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Big_G
Vixx, I’ve looked at Luxembourg before and it was a possible I was going to do it this year. Salzburg is the same weekend though and I’ve opted for that this time, so maybe another year. I’ve never done a night marathon, although a couple of runners I know have done Bilbao night marathon. becca (or anyone else who has sorted their own accommodation), I’ve not actually looked at the logistics at all for New York, but was Harlem fairly easy to get over to Staten Island? Do a lot of runners stay around there, or are there other areas to consider as well? |
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