This was the best bonus race I could imagine... with only 6 weeks training as the Fitness Rewards Prize winner, I could not turn down the opportunity to run my first overseas marathon. 

I can not comment on value for money however the event as a whole weekend was geared up for a running festival. 

The Saturday had a Corporate 5k with nearly 10,000 locals embracing the running spirit. Far too busy to ‘run’ but a perfect way to jog around , enjoy the atmosphere and prepare for the big one on Sunday. 

The marathon started at 7:30 Am and despite hotels having so many runners in, our hotel decided it could not do an early breakfast until UkRunChat came to the rescue. Breakfast boxes were provided for collection at reception. 

With suncream applied and water well stocked , I joined the rest of visorclub & UkRunChat at the race village. I had the privilege to run with Garry Biddle- the 4:30 pacer. Due to the heat & limited training I knew I wanted to focus on enjoying the race rather time. So when Gaz asked if I’d co-pilot his ‘fun bus’ I jumped at the opportunity to learn from an experienced pacer. 

We set off around the industrial part of town out to the west before looping back to the Marina. 13 miles comfortably at 10:15 m/m pace. As Gaz kept the spirits high we ran past our pacing friends and other UkRunChat buds. This was really useful as apart from by the marina the local support was bare apart from at the feed stations. Something for organisers to look at perhaps. 

The water stations were every 2.5k and this was very well received as the sun came out in force and began to take its toll. More water meant 2 toilet stops and a sloshing feeling in my stomach however it was essential to keep hydrated. 

At about 20-22 miles Gaz and I lost our fun bus followers however we needed each other to keep on time. Every time I felt myself drop off , Gaz was there with words of wisdom. I learned so much. 

Mat mile 25/26 we had nearly 2 mins ahead of time so Gaz hang back to encourage runners behind us. I couldn’t slow down much more so plodded on to finish in 4:28. 

As said before , this race was not about time but the running community, the spirit of it and the experience. 

I best start saving my euros for next year.