Another MK Marathon post! I was actually thinking about giving this a miss this year, seeing as I’ve run the event so many times and already have my 10 year “Legends” medal.
I was talked into it at the last minute by my cousin Daryn who wanted to enter the half marathon. I ended up booking my place for the full marathon at the last minute.
When I woke up on race day I was absolutely not feeling it. I’d done fairly consistent training since January but lately work and life have become incredibly hectic. To be honest running had started to feel like another chore to try and fit into my schedule. It was lucky that I’d entered this with Daryn to ‘make’ me show up and I’m now glad I did!
Daryn drove us there and we parked close-ish to the stadium, getting there just in time for bag check-in and to join the start line.
This event has been getting bigger every year – I’m sure there were about 3,000 marathon runners and maybe the same number of half-marathoners. There’s also a relay & fun run taking place which meant that the stadium gets very busy and lively. It is a bit daunting trying to navigate the stadium with all the crowds, but the event still feels well organised as always.
We joined the start line maybe a bit further back than we needed to be. There is a gated start to let people out in ‘waves’ and it took a while for us to get going. After what felt like 8 minutes or so it was our turn to set off.
I ran with Daryn to start with, keeping top a leisurely 10 minute mile pace to avoid burning out later on. We’d started quite far back so we were passing people and weaving between the crowds a bit to begin with.
As we pressed on I realised I’d completely mis-remembered the course from last year. The starting section still does the usual loop through town, but after that we were running through the leafy rural parts of Milton Keynes for the most of the first lap. I was starting to enjoy myself and appreciate the bright, sunny (and not too hot) weather.
We gradually caught up and passed the 2:15 half marathon pacer (Daryn’s target) and then the 4:30 marathon pacer (my target). Despite enjoying the run I was feeling quite uncomfortable for the first 8 miles. At the next water station I had to say goodbye to Daryn and stop to queue for a portaloo.
The following few miles were much more comfortable – in fact I was feeling pretty amazing! After about 5 miles or so I was back at the stadium and ready to start my second lap. I’d also caught up to that 4:30 pacer again.
The second lap is a bit different and more like how I remembered the course last year, involving more of the redways and canal towpaths. I felt as though it was more hilly too, although that could just have been my legs getting tired.
I was able to keep my pace very consistent throughout the run, determined not to overdo it. I was starting to get very tired by mile 23, but managed to stay ahead of the 4:30 pacer as I slogged it towards the finish.
I eventually came back into the stadium for the finish at exactly 4:23:00 (by my watch). I was shattered by the end, but happy that I didn’t need to walk at any point of the race. I was also very happy with the time considering it was only slightly slower than last year and reflected the training I’d put in.
I learned that Daryn finished his half marathon at 2:05 – a PB for him!
I came away from the event feeling so much better than when I started, and I’m glad I entered. It’s made me appreciate why I take part in running events generally. I’m now feeling inspired to make the most of the fitness I’ve gained and book a few more events this year.
