The worlds hardest marathon it will take a lot of beating, the worlds
most beautiful marathon, a definite contender. An inspirational as
tough as it comes marathon.
I decided Thursday night to go London City to Geneva ,with Avis rent a
car
and from home to Mont Blanc in seven hours.Chamonix 85 kilometers from
Geneva a town in the bowl of the Alps.
Registered at Expo and no pre entry required which was good news for
frequent marathon runners.
Intelligent organisation saw a 7am start.
A race that was only 15pct on roads 50pct on pathways and the rest
climbing over stone tracks and pathways.
Most marathons finish at the same level with varying degrees of hills,
not this one.This marathon finishes at the top of Mont Blanc and
within 200 meters a cable car transports you back to Chamonix
spectacular.
About 1500 marathon runners started and I would be suprised if more
than half finished.
Within a mile from the start we were on grass lined pine clad pathways
with pine cones emanating a scented hue.
French chalets with shuttered windows , elegant ladies in dressing
gowns smiling us on.A croissant moment would not be missed .Runners
taking photos of the forest vista ,camaraderie strong though no one
says a word.These are things you just feel, but experience tells me
that I must take it easy with the hills.
Foxglove paths with an artist palate of colour. Tree rooted paths
for miles ensure concentration is the key.
A 500 meter climb past Alpine village encouragement is embraced as
we are waved on our way.
A downhill stretch and plateau for 7k is the only real opportunity
to get the legs running well.
Through the halfway stretch there is a 6k mountain climb everyone
walks. Tough gradient determined people. Europe is united in this
majestic scenary.
Running in a Beckenham top I have already lost my Nike running shirt
to friendly pipe smoking local.I am sure it will end up as emergency
clothing for a skier who has lost their shirt.
Runners are turning round at 21k and there is fall out all along the
way.
The top of the mountain with a climb the height of sca fell has the
refreshments and food provisions.Maximus drink provides energy.Coca
cola is consumed with appreciation.
Down Down the mountain we flow quad muscles flexing in the morning sun
ensuring our knee joints stay as one.A 6k descent through shale tracks
does not allow any rythem but gives the heart a rest.
At last a roadway with no traffic for 2k passed cows with cow bells.
Ermentrude wishes me well I can see it in her eyes but it is not time
for bed.
Drink station at 30k and a lot of runners are pulling out.I am told
that the next stage is the most difficult.Delighted to be here in
4hours 50 minutes confidence is high.
Stone pathways see a 2500 meter peak climb as we are already at 1300
meter we have only,
1200meters in 12k to reach our goal.
Bravo courage we salute your courage lifted this runner from friendly
passers by.You do not have to be a sports physiologist to understand
the powers of positivity.The toughest 10k took me nearly 3
hours,clambering over rock
paths is not what you want after a gruelling 20miles.
The sun was in the ascent oxygen was limited the higher we climbed.
From 32k to 35K took an hour.A french family had set up their drink
station with oranges food and drink.This had not been listed and there
were another two to come.I needed to sit down in the woodland shade on
a couple of occasions for two three minute breathers.Climbing hills
that were now in the full heat of the sun I was lifted to see cloud
cover starting to come in,this dropped the tempreture a few degrees.
Rivers flowed from mountains heights and wooden bridges allowed me to
pause and reflect on the mountains that surrounded me.Inspiring
despite the sweat cascading from my sweaty brow.This beauty has to be
rewarded I have to finish.
Climb to another drink station held by the English at 38k and I am
pleased to learn there is some flat land ahead albeit 2k.But first
climbing down pathway with steel toe holes I pass a group of thirty
Japanese or Taiwanese tourist I know the difference but do not want to
offend either with a mistake.Elderly far eastern gentlemen in their
60s accompanying ladies of advancing years were relieved to here of
the mountain top cafe that lay ahead.
Meet up with two lady runners who like me are searching for the right
directions a mildly confusing stretch but now we can run. I put in a
8 minute kilometer which shows how tough the surrounding ones are.
41K and its all uphill stiffer than any Beckenham hill with no cover
from the sun.Tough it out I yell to myself .Mountain high , mountain
beautiful I reflect once more that this challenge is coming to an end.
Serenely beautiful, indulgently tough. Wonderful people, great
organisation.A microphoned commentator greets me as I finish in 8hours
in the knowledge that half did not finish.
Elated I am greeted with a drink but it is alcohol and after a sip it
is declined.I have been tee total for 5 years and I am not going to
start now.Medal on chair lift to Chamonix a ten minute shower and
change and within thirty minutes of finishing I am driving to Geneva.
Connection made with fifteen minutes to spare and London city airport
I am home.
Miss the football but that is a small price to pay for the toughest of
all 42k races.Twenty six.2 miles of nature at its best.Recommend it
yes but never for your first one.Thanks to the guys Wedneday night for
our cross country park run it was the perfect pre race loosener.
Jonathan Weal
16marathons completed.