Wainstones Marathon, 8 May
Report by Lena Conlin
The Wainstones Marathon is a Hardmoors race starting at Chop Gate village Hall. The marathon route heads straight up from the start, a long climb with 2 stiles on it sets the tone for the day. An 8 am start meant that it was still a little chilly at the top but soon the day warmed to be a bright clear breezy day. The route runs past Cod Beck Reservoir to Square Corner and then follows the Cleveland Way through Osmotherley back through Scarth Nick and Scugdale and at 17 miles the climbs begin again. Uphill and down across to Clay Bank the views across to the coast were stunning.
The ground was dry and that made for good running conditions. After Clay Bank the route leaves the Cleveland Way for the last 10 km. This section had some boggy sections to navigate, but was still unusually dry. The Marathon finishes on a long downhill section from the ridge to Chop Gate Village Hall. Just short of 28 miles. There was also a half marathon + and a 10km + as most Hardmoors races have extra miles.
Hardmoors routes now have less markers out but still plenty of marshals and feed stations. They provide a very detailed route description.
I completed the marathon 66 out of 115 in 6:51:39
Jessica Lewis, one of our Juniors completed the 10km was 1st female, finishing 7 out of 69 in 1:34:40
Anita Oldham completed the 10km 25 out of 69 in 1:56:36