New Forest Marathon - 27th September
For some reason, Steve Edwards has never managed to run well at New Forest. He doesn't make excuses about it, but it is fair to say its not the easiest of courses by any means, very undulating in parts and it always seems to be held on a warm day.
This year was no exception, despite it being two weeks later than normal. However, Steve set out with the intention of giving himself every chance of breaking 3 hours just in case. He went through halfway in 1:30:15 in 21st place and everything was going well apart from the fact it was definitely getting warmer.
As the miles progressed, Steve remembered just how much more difficult the second half of this course is than the first. Along with the exceptionally warm conditions for the time of year, it was starting to take its toll and Steve began to slow at 19 miles, not reaching 20 miles until 2:18:30, a minute down on last week's race at the same point.
With all hopes of a sub-3 now virtually gone, Steve decided to settle into a steadier rhythm to see-off the remainder of the inclines up to 23 miles, after which he knew the final 2 or 3 miles were relatively flat. Although running at a steadier pace, Steve was still picking off runners and moving through the field which really helped him. Obviously the warm conditions and harder 2nd half was taking its toll on other runners too.
At 23 miles, he picked up the pace again and managed to get back to sub-7 minute miling for the final assault. Passing another couple of runners, Steve concentrated on trying to get well inside 3:05 for the 7th time in 9 weeks and although very tired eventually crossed the line in 3:02:56 for 11th place out of a field of over 800. Steve had rather hoped this might be good enough for one of the V45 prizes but alas, with the 2nd and 3rd finishers overall being V45 it wasn't to be and he ended up 4th in his category.
All in all, Steve was very pleased with his performance though; he finished well up the field and bettered his time on this course by over 10 minutes at the 6th attempt. So, 423 sub-3:30s down, 77 to go!
Report Highlights
Steve Edwards finishes New Forest Marathon 11th in 3:02:56.
This result gives Steve his 423rd sub-3:30 marathon.
Other reports may be found on our recent race reports page.