27th September, the Berlin Marathon. Trainers ready by the door, clear blue skies, everything in place as I head to the start line. The only difference being that I’m not in Germany, I’m at home. The Berlin Marathon has come to me!
I was joined on the start line by Neil, Greg and Phil, and after a rather unconventional start (my mum shouting “Ready, Steady, Go!”), we trotted off towards Summerseat and down Kirklees trail with Phil setting a rather brisk pace. We shared the usual race prep discussions, Neil had experimented with cocktails the night before, whilst Greg was planning his recovery birthday meal. We quickly arrived at our first point, Burrs park, before taking the trails out of the park and the uphill stretch to Edenfield. Phil continued to push the pace and it wasn’t long before we were arriving in Edenfied where we were greeted by Claire and Emily (and Penny!). Neil headed for home at this point (mumbling something about a football appointment?) and after more crowd support from Anna and Elliot, Greg completed his 13.1 mile target and left Phil and I to continue the journey through Ramsbottom to the Clubhouse. Phil was still looking very fresh and given the lovely day, he decided to join us for an extra stretch to Peel Tower.
So after a change of shoes and a few jelly babies from my mobile family support crew, we waved goodbye to Jo, then Yasmin, Sean, Graham, Helen, Phil and I headed off to the fells. I’ve run the “standard” route to Peel Tower so many times, the stunning scenery never fails to disappoint, and this time was no exception. In next to no time we arrived at Peel tower, greeted by JK, Brenda, Claire and Emily, plus my faithful family support (this time offering half a packet of Jaffa cakes – the rest of the supplies had been eaten on their way up to the tower!). After persuading Phil that he would be fine continuing a little further, we headed towards Pilgrims Cross and up to the summit of Bull Hill. Now for the downhill! Helen peeled off home and was quickly replaced by John R as we continued down towards Lumb. Picking up the Irwell Trail we made the final stretch into Nuttall Park – accompanied by Phil who has now officially completed his first marathon distance! Oliver and Naomi joined me for the final lap of Nuttall park to complete the 26.2 miles. I’ve never felt better at the end of a race.
Unfortunately Claire’s Oktoberfest celebrations will have to wait, but we made do with a slice of banana cake and Emily’s crispy cakes.
I am completely overwhelmed by all of the support you have given to myself and my family over the past, extremely difficult year. I’m so grateful to be part of such an amazing and supportive group – Thank you! xx
Burrs-Edenfield-Ramsbottom-Lumb-Irwell-Nuttall
Holcombe Harriers 