Three Forts Marathon 2007
By Julien on Tuesday, May 8 2007, 12:03 - Events - Permalink
Updated at 19:33
On Sunday, I ran the Three Forts Marathon, which is a 27miles (43.5km) cross-country race in the South Downs hills, near Worthing. It's actually slightly longer than a marathon, and relatively tough due to the ascents over each of the forts (about 1050m in total). My main concern before the race was whether I could run uphill or not.
The weather was perfect for running: very cloudy, so not too warm, but slightly windy. The first ascent (Cissbury Ring) went smoothly, so did the descent to the Adur River. 50 of us took the wrong way at some point in this descent and had to go back a bit :) I managed to run the second ascent to Devil's Dyke as well. The route then goes back down to the river and up again to Chanctonbury Ring. This ascent was a bit harder for me, but I managed to run it anyway at a slower pace. Just as I thought I could run it all the way long, two last sneaky ascents on the way down to Worthing stopped me, and I had to walk 3 times for about a minute. The final 3 miles went very fast and easy, downhill but not too much, allowing to take the maximal advantage from the slope. I finished in 3:56:35, ranking 31st out of 189 finishers. This is quite good for me given the ascent (winner finishing in 3:07:03).
On the way down from Devil's Dyke.
Overall, this was a good event with friendly marshals, nice route and views. No major problems on the physical side, but my thighs could be a bit stronger in the ascents. Last but not least, it was very nice to meet Mike, who's going to finish the UTMB this year. Happy to put a smiling face on an e-mail address :)
Ultra friendly race.
On Sunday, I ran the Three Forts Marathon, which is a 27miles (43.5km) cross-country race in the South Downs hills, near Worthing. It's actually slightly longer than a marathon, and relatively tough due to the ascents over each of the forts (about 1050m in total). My main concern before the race was whether I could run uphill or not.
The weather was perfect for running: very cloudy, so not too warm, but slightly windy. The first ascent (Cissbury Ring) went smoothly, so did the descent to the Adur River. 50 of us took the wrong way at some point in this descent and had to go back a bit :) I managed to run the second ascent to Devil's Dyke as well. The route then goes back down to the river and up again to Chanctonbury Ring. This ascent was a bit harder for me, but I managed to run it anyway at a slower pace. Just as I thought I could run it all the way long, two last sneaky ascents on the way down to Worthing stopped me, and I had to walk 3 times for about a minute. The final 3 miles went very fast and easy, downhill but not too much, allowing to take the maximal advantage from the slope. I finished in 3:56:35, ranking 31st out of 189 finishers. This is quite good for me given the ascent (winner finishing in 3:07:03).
On the way down from Devil's Dyke.
Overall, this was a good event with friendly marshals, nice route and views. No major problems on the physical side, but my thighs could be a bit stronger in the ascents. Last but not least, it was very nice to meet Mike, who's going to finish the UTMB this year. Happy to put a smiling face on an e-mail address :)
Ultra friendly race.
Comments
Sounds like a really cool race indeed! By the way, the picture is really nice :)
Congratulations (and nice picture in deed)! I had never heard about that race...by any chance would you know other semis or marathons (or trail running events) during this summer in South East England (i am desperatly trying to find some races ;))? See ya later.
I'm sorry, I don't know many... Summer is not the best period for marathons, though. They're usually in Spring and Automn. Check out WorldMarathons. For example you have the Needles XC Half / Full Marathon on the Isle of Wight.
Saloman South Downs marathon is held 13 June - similar to 3 forts but slightly easier
Hi Julien, I ran the three forts half on Sunday (not up to the full yet) and have to agree with your comments, very friendly and tough but enjoyable course. Well done with you time/position.