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| All go at the start of the Southampton Half and Full Marathon 2025 (this angle doesn't do it justice to be honest) |
Apologies, I ought to have posted about the galleries being ready sooner, but I know you all got emails and the traffic was phenomenal so I hoped you would all have a good idea where to go. If you're in any doubt - have a look through this page on our gallery and have a catchup on all the April action !
https://gallerylink.info/April-2025-events
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| Yes they do a canicross too at REP events |
This weekend coming we have the REP Angmering bluebell 10k, which goes along private estate and woods that you don't usually get access to - which makes it all the more special, plus it finishes at a pub... what more do you want ?
https://rawenergypursuits.co.uk/bluebell-trail-run-angmering-2025/ (Sorry it's sold out)
Also this weekend is the official run one of those "proper marathons" that the well initiated call them - and we get into the battle of Manchester versus London. Or more accurately the clash of the event organisers - The London Marathon Events https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/- versus ASO (aka The company that owns the Tour De France, who bought Human Race Events, and then funded buying out a load of big events) https://www.aso.fr/en/ . I had someone from ASO nosing around on my linkedin the other day - always interesting.
I still challenge the Manchester marathons claim to being the flattest - because the Abingdon Marathon is by far a much flatter course...apart from the pedestrian underpass. Apparently having a partial two lap loop even if it is on closed roads makes the whole claim invalid apparently according to some, to which I say I think the Elevation measurements are what count. Although these days the Manc course is slightly different - and wikipedia says different.
Either way - neither of "the" marathon events have free photos - so they will have the joys of paying for sportograph's logo on their photos in Manchester or who knows what at London - because I can't find anything on the London Marathon website about race photos... They used AWOL for their Brighton Marathon efforts recently, but sportograph have tried to do the job themselves too. Frankly - yes it's a lot of money however it's done - but the sheer volume of data management isn't funny, let alone the scale of the job. It took one of my friends 3 hours before they managed to copy his data cards after the end of the event one year - that's not good photographer management...
Somewhat amusingly I listened to an industry podcast with the UK head of ASO as the guest, and all they went on about putting on events was the importance of imagery and look and creating memories from these moments, and having a great backdrop to put the events on against. It was like asking someone to describe what a photograph is without using the word photograph. And yet this is all I hear event organisers aspiring to achieve but for some reason they haven't figured out what they're describing is a photograph. Le Sigh.
Anyway best avoid all the "THE" marathon hype and I hope you enjoy yourselves if you're doing it.
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| Proper trail running marathon with hills and friends |
And if you've missed that or fancy something the week after that on the 4th May - then get your socks on and enter the 3 Forts Challenge - a 5mile, half marathon or marathon+ are on offer here - because sunday is the very last chance to enter : https://gallerylink.info/3Forts-challenge
It is a beautiful course, and really gives you some of the best views around the south downs between Hove and Worthing and the Adur valley if you're doing the Full route, and the half route ain't half bad either ! Don't forget this year it's all changed to Lancing Leisure centre too https://w3w.co/look.brick.adverbs - so it's going to be a different hill profile sequence and is going to make a bit of a difference to the times people bring in.
Anyway, enough of the event sales pitches - have a look at these silly selection of images and have a wonderful weekend, and enjoy the sunny weather next week, and don't get dehydrated in the warmer weather either.
And here's a top tip - grab those chemical ice packs (small plastic bags) that you have to snap and shake and then they go cold - when you get hot and bothered - carry one in each hand and use them to cool your palms - which will lead to major core body temperature cooling - which is what you want !! cheatcode - unlocked ! (this is the sort of thing I mean: https://amzn.to/3Yh9I5f )
Anyway here's some Southampton marathon festival photos for you - it's tenth time - and what a time it was !
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| Spiderman got up early in his PJ's |
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| Running Scared ? The unicorn was causing all sorts of problems.. |
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| postbox delivered safely to the finish |
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| you will be assimilated |
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| YES ! |
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| "I'm running how slowly !?!?" |
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| The inflatable cow. He's not running to Burger King for a milkshake... |
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| Yeah, sure thing, Step right up. By all means. Be our guest. Hope you got your nice shot of the back of their head too. Awesome. Good job. Now, if you don't mind....bit busy. |
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| Freedom ! from the oppression of hydration vests !! |
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| Gothic fur running, carrying a bunny. Not seen that before. |
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| Carrot not stick approach for motivating Nick |
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| James almost finished it |
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Swift Fade and UTurn to the family. PB out of the window then...
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| This does explain the faster runners earlier |
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| He knew the crisps were waiting for him later, that's why he's so happy |
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| Fetchie Friends always get a shout out ! Go Yas !! |
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| Liz approved |
Just the one shot from the Cowdray Run the Seasons Spring run. Because.
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| Must be the hayfever season then? |
So see you all at Bluebell 10k in Angmering, and after that at the 3Forts challenge, so keep yourself safe and enjoy the weather, keep cool and hydrated...
Until next time
Anthony
