Bath Marathon

Marathons are never easy & Bath was no different. But a unique Marathon as you run through 2 tunnels. Pretty dark but welcomingly cool during a hot day. The first Combe tunnel about 600 m long followed by the longer Devonshire Tunnel at 1800 m long.

After these you drop down onto the canal. Probably about 7 miles of tow path so very picturesque. Miles 9 / 10 follow out and back into Bath city to the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge & weir. The last section not so interestingly through streets back uphill to Brickfields Park.

A multi race event with 50 km ; Marathon ; Half marathon & 10 km taking place simultaneously. Not a massive field so you did have periods of time on your own but it was well marshalled. Excellent multiple feed stations.

It was a hot day & my first half was a steady pace. The second half just about ok to the 20 mile point but with not a lot of stamina training the ‘Marathon shuffle’ commenced. At one stage along the canal I was tempted to dive in & swim …. It would have been faster 🤣 ! The end was a 45 deg small hill which was … walked. Lovely wooden medal.