North Devon Marathon 2013

The 30th June saw one of the toughest marathons in the country take place around the north Devon Coastline. The South Molton Strugglers embraced this and fielded more runners than any other club and achieved results beyond their expectation. Furthermore, the half marathon which is equally as challenging (but just half the distance) also witnessed a fantastic strugglers field!

For those that have never run a marathon before they were facing one of the biggest challenges of their lives. Not only running the 26.2 miles but doing so over some of the steepest climbs North Devon has to offer. The Esplanade at Woolacombe provided the perfect setting for the start and finish of this challenging event and all runners head out to Baggy Point, along Croyde Beach and the coast path to Saunton taking in breathtaking views along the way. The course then climbs back to Croyde and along the coast path back to Woolacombe at which point all the half marathon runners can celebrate a fantastic run and enjoy a well deserved cream  tea. For the marathon runners, the torture is just beginning as they run straight past the finish line towards Morthoe, Lee and Ilfracombe and the final 13.1 miles of their race. A carefully placed Beer station at Lee did not tempt many of the marathon runners as most refuelled on the more conventional bananas, lucozade and jelly babies whilst being cheered on by fantastic support all the way around.

Seasoned marathon runner and historical ultra runner Steve Abel was leading the strugglers charge in the marathon at half way sitting in 3rd place but the second half tested his stamina and youth prevailed as Paul Cooke aka "young horse" was the first struggler back in an unbelievable time of 3.44.01 in 6th place. Steve followed just 1 minute and 40 seconds later in 7th and also taking the 1st Vet 45 prize. Our leading lady Lucy Goodman was the next struggler across the line in 4.01.57 just 20 seconds off the first female and winning the senior lady prize. Male club captain Chris Murrin continued his exceptional marathon form following up from his London marathon run and Dartmoor Discovery ultra in a time of 4.09.07. After completing the run he said "The hardest yet the most enjoyable run I have done!" These four secured the team prize for the South Molton Strugglers for the second year in a row a remarkable achievement for such a touch marathon. Claire Campbell and Elaine Fields were the next to finish, Claire having run all of the North Devon Marathons to date and winning 1st Vet Female 50. Elaine faced the mighty North Devon hills for the first time and enjoyed every minute of it finishing in 4.22.46 only 8 minutes behind the experienced Claire. Richard Connet was hoping to secure a PB and he certainly did after weeks of solid training including an epic "trail ferrett" training week. Crossing the line in 4.23.15, he beat club mate Chris Simpson coming back after months off due to injury who finished in 4.36.41. Richard said "Awesome trail marathon, everything from the perfect running conditions to the wonderful scenery, organisation and fantastic helpers made it a day to remember". Tina McKracken was a marathon virgin and opted for the North Devon Marathon as her first following a bit of pushing from fellow club mates. Taking on one of the toughest UK marathons as your first is pretty brave and finishing it in 4.42.11 is just incredible! Richard Horn was just behind Tina in 4.44.51. Strugglers chairman Nik Whalley also choose the North Devon Marathon as his first ever and almost enjoyed every minute! "Great run, well organised and brilliant support. Definitely back for more next year!" He pulled a muscle about sixteen miles in and completed the last ten miles with steely grit and determination having to walk at least half. But the strugglers are a tough bunch and Nik wasn't going to let the coastal hills defeat him - crossing the line in 5.01.23!

The half marathon runners put in an equally fantastic performance despite only one trophy coming our way for Richard Westcott in 2.04.55 and winning the Vet 60 age category. Jim Gould was the first struggler across the line in a time of 2.03.47  switching from the full marathon to the half due to limited training. Becky Hopkins was chasing his tail and was our first female to finish in 2.04.24. Caroline Shapland and Daisy Adams battled throughout with Caroline prevailing in 2.13.11 and Daisy in 2.16.51. Kate Kilburn and Polly Goodman continued the steady stream of strugglers across the line both taking on the challenging course for the first time. Kate crossed the line in 2.24.56 closely followed by Polly 2.27.25. Having said last year "I'm never doing that again" Tringa Sibthorpe finished in 2.31.40 and again made the same statement, no doubt next year will be on the start line again. Sarah Rogers, deep into marathon training for her August debut marathon finished in 2.40.19 and Amanda Adams in 2.50.12. Jon Hibberd and Sue Carter completed the Strugglers line up in the half marathon crossing the line in 2.57.59 and 3.04.01 respectively.

Not only were the strugglers represented in force in both distances but many also came down to cheer on their club mates highlighting what a fantastic club the South Molton Strugglers are.