Pilgrim Marathon and Half Marathon 2011 - now live

 The Gallery for the 2011 Farnham Pilgrim Marathon and Half Marathon is now live and online with over 18,000 images for you to search and buy from here:
http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/a.tlx?k=6o7zh3l 

The race results from Sports Timing Solutions are available here: http://www.sportstimingsolutions.co.uk/results.php

Big contratulations to the Rotary Club of Farnham Wayside on another well marked and marshalled race - with superb co-ordination across such a large race distance.

With the weather forecast looking 50/50 between bleak and very nice as a low pressure rotated gently over london and drifted eastward, the risk of rain from Wales coming south and catching the race was uncertain. At the Challenge Henley triathon only about 25 miles away and almost due north of the race it lashed it down for much of the morning, so wet weather gear was adopted just in case.

It proved however to be a near perfect day with the temperature staying in the 16 to 18 DegC range, no really harsh sunshine and almost no breeze to talk of - until much later in the day when it decided to rain really hard at the finish from about 2pm. The upshot of this was the first runners home were making good time with the marathon winner exactly 10 minutes faster than last year - and the overall times indicating just how tough an off-road route this is compared to a flat road course.

Leader at four miles into the half was 5 minutes early - zooming

Only a little rain at the finish later

A quick summary of the results winners:

Half Marathon Mens winner:

1

1476

Graham Robinson

Sandhurst Joggers

Chip 01:23:07

Gun 01:23:22

Half Marathon womens winner:

9

1151

Sarah Rollins

Aldershot & Farnham District

Chip 01:33:37

Gun 01:33:53

Full Marathon Mens winner:

1

177

Rupert Shute

Reading Road Runners

Chip 03:02:23

Gun 03:02:24

Full Marathon Womens winner:

7

347

Sarah Hill

Farnham Runners

Chip 03:26:41

Gun 03:26:43

The three Amigos, Mostly Canadian

 This was the second ever running of the Pilgrim Marathon and Half Marathon, with 303 and 490 competitors finishing each race respectively, an increase on last years numbers.

 If you want to see the route - have a look here: Google Map Route of Pilgrim Marathon

Happy having conquered St. Marthas (in the background)

 As one runner noted - "there's pubs all the way along this route!" the answer being - well it is the Pilgrims Way...

Rain closing in from the distance at Puttenham Common

We always try to get your best side. Requests accomodated.

Taking the salute at 11 miles

Running around the viewpoint at Puttneham common

Run Happy !

Job done - Achievement secured !

It's easy to look relaxed and run apparently

What did he forget ?

Not going so well at that particular point

I have no idea what happened, I'm just an observer. Looks like fun though.

Taxi to Puttenham common please

9 miles after St.Marthas - and a bit more concerned

Shared congratulations and achievement at the end

 So, the direct link to the gallery is here, enjoy:
 http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/a.tlx?k=6o7zh3l 

 Until next time
Anthony


Click here for our race finding link page on the blog

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ETL Bacchus Full & Half Marathon - now live

The Events to Live Bacchus full and half marathon race gallery is now live and online here:
http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/a.tlx?k=3unzh3k

Race results are available from Sport Systems here: http://www.sportsystems.co.uk/ss/index.htm

After the soaking at the ETL Spitfire last week it was all eyes on the forecast for Sunday's races.  Driving to the race through a heavy shower on the A24 it was not looking good, but thankfully that was the last of the rain till after the race.

The races are based in the UK's largest single estate vinyard, the Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking which provides a great venue for the races - more details here: http://www.denbies.co.uk/

So in fine conditions the race director - aka "Robin - The Boy Wonder" first got the marathon runners underway.

Robin was on hand to help anyone who had forgotten vital equipment

Race start, off through the vineyard

Somewhat unusual refreshments at the "water station"

The return leg of the lap in view in the background...

Field of dreams ???

Quite pleased to be finished

High fives!

Traditional half marathon Hakka

Strong support along the finish from families and friends

Praying for forgiveness because they only did the half

Another "Jack Nicholson" jumps for joy at the finish

Having far too much fun

Councelling was available for those who found it hard going.

There was a great feel about the race with lots of runners going for the fancy dress option and staying on at the finish to welcome the other runners back whilst enjoying their hog roast, a little wine, and perhaps a post race massage.

Well done to Alan, Nicky and the rest of the Events to Live team on another excellent event.  If you're looking for a half marathon in October then check out their Surrey Badger race with new start/finish location at the Denbies Estate http://bit.ly/Badger-ETL

If you're looking for another challenging off road full or half marathon this coming weekend, then check out the Farnham Pilgrim here:  http://bit.ly/farnhampilgrim

Or for those of you with a mountain bike and multisport tendancies then check out the off road triathlons, duathlons and open-water swim from allabouttriathlons on 24th September, the official British Triathlon Cross Championships for 2011.  More details for these events can be found here:  http://bit.ly/XTD-duathlon-AAT


The Events to Live Bacchus full and half marathon race gallery is now live and online here here for your orders and memories of your achievement - well done everyone!
http://gallery.sussexsportphotography.com/a.tlx?k=3unzh3k

Until next time
Sally 




Click here for our race finding link page on the blog

Race Finding links
Who ?	Just click on the Logo
Run Britain - UK Athletics
The Sussex Race Planner	Sussex Races
Active Network
Run 247
Runners World
Running Diary