2024 BRC CLUB STORIES

Manchester Marathon

Mike Timmington
‘I had a couple of niggles during training but despite these was feeling so much better this year so was reasonably confident I could give a PB a real good bash. My PB was set on a hilly course in South Wales so Manchester should be a breeze in comparison.
The first half I felt great and was running really comfortably. Checked my watch at half way point to the sound of Bon Jovi "woah woah you're half way there" which was superb timing, in a time of 1hr43min. I knew this was too quick again but as I felt good I continued.
Got to 30k and the wheels fell off. I slowed to a run walk due to extreme pain in feet and upper legs and It was a battle to continue. The crowds and street music really helped me get round. Finished in 3hr 54min which is good but not what I was after. Another lesson learnt and on to the next one.’
 
Andrew Constantinou
‘Having run this event last year I returned to Manchester again this year to see if I could break the 4 hour barrier. It’s a really well organised event and the city centre crowds and atmosphere are good - I felt a little more prepared this year having run previously but on the flip side carrying an Achilles injury (note the getting in of excuses early).
A chilly start but the sun shone, there was no rain and temperatures were nice and mild - I definitely felt better this year but still “hit the wall” late on - there are certainly learnings you take from each marathon - I reflected and felt that I needed to have taken one more gel about mile 22.
So a great day, 2 mins quicker than last year but just outside the sub-4hrs by 11 seconds (although according to Strava I had run an extra 500 metres which clearly makes all the difference! )’
 
London Marathon
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Hannah Edie-Pabla
'A fantastic event to be a part of! I really enjoyed the landmarks and the crowds-they really do keep you going. Running over Tower Bridge was a real highlight as well as running around The Cutty Sark!
I was really hoping for 4.10 but people constantly running/stopping and walking in front of me made keeping my pace difficult at times, so very pleased with my PB. Would highly recommend entering the ballot!'
 
Roy Hamilton
'My dad completed it in 1992 (he died in 1999) so it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do and after 8 attempts at the ballot I managed to get in.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day, didn’t get the time I wanted, but over the moon to have finished it.’