Our continuing mission: to boldly drivel where no running publication has drivelled before.
Towards the end of the Dinner Dance, a certain runner and I had a rather crapulous conversation about the chances of Paul Tergat over the full marathon distance. I maintained that as a former world record holder for the 10000m, the current record holder for the half-marathon, and a sub-13 5000m runner, Tergat had all the pace needed to win over 26 miles. Further, as a five-time World Cross-Country champion, he knew about winning races. (See my preview of London 2003.)
My companion deipnosophist thought Tergat couldn’t cut it over the classic distance.
So, while we’re waiting for the results of the Cardiff Marathon (and we don’t have them yet), we may as well bring the news of another race. San Domenico’s Paul Horvarth, our Fran Williams, and I cycled round the course, offering support (and occasional — deserved — abuse). We waited near the 23-mile marker when Richie Gardiner, the eventual winner, came past in around 2:05. We waited a little longer for our own Julian Baker to heave into view, safely in second, and Paul and Fran had given up by the time fourth place (note to Geran Hughes, it’s one, two, three, four — or un, dau, tri, pedwar) Mick McGeoch came past.
By then, in Berlin, where the marathon had started at 9am local time (ie 8am here; the same time as Cardiff) Berlin Marathon winner and new World Record holder Paul Tergat would have left the shower and been blowing the froth off his first celebratory pint. (His first marathon win after five previous starts.) The BBC even have some Berlin marathon pictures.
STOP PRESS: Just in from Cardiff. We believe that a Mr Stuart Davidson of Bridgend has expressed surprise at the Cardiff Marathon FAQ which says
Q. I don’t live in Cardiff and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?
A. No certainly not. There will be marshals on all major road junctions and the route is covered by cctv cameras.
We believe Mr Davidson is concerned about the distance a Mr Ron Morris of Rumney, Cardiff, and a Mr ‘Clem’ Clement of Penarth covered in the half marathon, as he is sure that he had dropped both and was therefore most surprised to find them drinking at the finish as he crossed the line. Both pleaded ignorance of the course and confusion brought on by their visit to a big city.
Posted by Dave at 06:14 PM
Lots of members have expressed an interest in our suggestion of a regular group run over an irregular course. Striking while the iron is hot, may I suggest the first to be held at 10 am on Sunday 19th October starting at the carpark of Cefn Onn Park in Thornhill. The park is easily found at the end of Excalibur Drive in Thornhill and a map will be available to those who are unfamiliar with the area.
The distance will be 12 miles approx. and predominantly off road (mainly road, defined forest track and fireroad), so trainers with a reasonable grip would be advantageous though not necessary. The route will involve a few hills, but the pace will be aimed at encouraging runners of all abilities.
Hopefully this has whetted the appetite of those who would like a change from their normal route and the opportunity to meet and mix with other members of the club. Let me know either via the website or at the club. See you on the trails!
Posted by Simon at 12:55 PM
Just returned from London and the somewhat surreal experience of racing around with 649 other mountain gorillas. Fantastic event, lots of support from passing cabbies, bus drivers and American tourists.
The course meandered over the various bridges around London/tower bridge and up and down the stairs that led to the riverside. The suit was absolutely hot as hell and quite difficult to run in.
Still, run I did and was 4th Mountain gorilla home in a time of 28.02 for my 7km. It is absolutely impossible not to turn up and get carried away with it, despite my efforts to do so.
Enclosed 2 piccies for your amusement, one of me running home (they were not quite ready for us to finish so early!) and one of the start.
It was a great event. Wonderful to see so many people polarised by one cause and in such a unique way.
The atmosphere was excellent, especially at the start where the sound of screaming gorillas could be heard wafting over the institutions of central London.
To run in the suit was tricky as hell, as it was quite restricting wearing shorts over the top of the legs, it rubbed like mad! The facemask was the coup de grace, it bounces about all over the place and was hard to breath (pant?) in. But it was worth all the rubbing, sweatiness and effort. It set off a lovely weekend in London and certainly framed my post-run visit to the Natural History Museum in a different light. There were plenty of journalists there so perhaps pictures/TV coverage will pop up somewhere.
So after 2 mad events on consecutive weekends it’s back to grinding out the Karrimor training.
Posted by Simon at 10:14 AM
Recently I had the pleasure of guiding Gemma and Carol over an offroad running route along Caerphilly mountain ridgeway (to help with their Karrimor preparations). After a brief discussion, we all agreed that it would be a great idea to offer a guided group run once a month open to all members. So here is our suggestion:
Posted by Simon at 08:36 AM
Despite the unusually clement weather conning us into believing it’s still summer, another cross-country season looms on the horizon. The first fixture is at Bridgend on Sunday the 12th of October, a nice flat (dry?) course to ease you back into the rigours of running offroad.
Can interested athletes please give their names to Sue Neal for the Ladies and to myself for the men’s.
See you in the mud....
Posted by Simon at 03:50 PM
I never cease to be amazed at the generosity and support our club lends to charity events. My fund raising for the Diane Fossey charity continues to swell and is climbing north of the £300 mark, in no small part due to Les Croups members. A big thankyou to all of those who have supported thus far.
I am now in possession of the Gorilla suit and will never again look at the London runners who romp around in Rhino suits in quite the same way. And, NO, I will not wear it during a club run.
Posted by Simon at 01:27 PM
The One Hour Track Race has been cancelled due to a lack of entries. There are 72 preprinted T-shirts for the event, fortunately undated, and the race may be held in November or Spring 2004.
Posted by Dave at 10:43 AM
Last updated 22 September 2006
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