Norfolk Coastal Marathon & Norfolk Coastal Half Marathon - 24th September 2022
Well done to Kirsty Lack who ran the marathon and Kyle Hastings who ran the half.
Kirsty's write up of the marathon:-
When I signed up for this race, I chose the option to catch the bus from the finish at Morston quay, which turned out to be a great incentive to finish! There was a generous eight hour cut-off so I knew I should be OK.
Although I didn't know anyone else doing this initially, for once I didn't feel nervous; I'd printed and checked the map which included two diversions and I had all my fuel and drink planned.
Getting on the bus with the other runners was nice, I had a quick chat with the man behind me and then listened to the chatter around me. On the journey I kept looking over to the coastal side and trying to remind myself of what part of the route that would be. I've done parts of this route before so it was nice to think of being able to join them all up, so to speak.
We met the other runners at Holme village hall and once briefed we headed out to the start line. The first diversion came soon after starting with an uphill with lots of loose big stones, here I had a wardrobe malfunction where it felt like my skort was falling down! I walked to sort that out and it was easier to navigate the stones too. I then ran a good distance with a man who helped me keep my pace in check. Keeping the place steady was good as I could chat and still run at the same time. As I knew the area, it was quite nice to be able to point out different things like Branodunum field.
My mum popped out on Choseley Road to give a quick cheer and then shortly after passing her we reached the start of the second diversion where I saw Kerrie (and Harley!). Knowing where part of the diversion was, we helped another runner who'd gone too far to get back on course. Along the back roads my mum and dad popped up again which was lovely. I didn't know where anyone was going to be so it was always a nice surprise! Going into Brancaster Staithe harbour was mum again with some sweets and I also saw some friends who were working.
Going out onto the bank from Burnham Deepdale to Burnham Overy I found tough; Mike was still with me but we had said if either wanted to go ahead then to do so. I slowed up at this point and he went on. Getting to Burnham Overy was mum and dad again with some supplies and Mike had passed them and said I was OK, just a little further behind which was reassuring for them.
The hardest part of this course came next and it was down towards the beach where it was unclear if we should stay in the dunes or go into the beach. Another runner had caught me up so together we went along the dunes and eventually down into the beach. Although the route was long and the runners had spread out, I felt fortunate enough to always be within view of someone should anything happen.
Going along the Pinewoods was good, I knew the terrain and route and the trees offered a bit of cover from the wind where I then caught up another runner who had a very consistent pace. We ran together until Wells cafe where my mum met me and we walked along the bank to the quay.
At 20 miles I was very relieved, just a 10k left! It began to cloud over and it felt a bit lonely, I did miss my regular running buddies at this point as it would have made the last slog a lot more bearable! And then there was Lucy, I was so pleased to see her and I instantly relaxed. We ran a bit together to Stiffkey where she was parked and then I met her and Kerrie at the next parking spot. They said they'd go and meet me at Morston.
Still missing some company, I played some tracks on my phone, which made up for no chatter and it definitely helped. Before I knew it, I was in view of the Positive Steps flags and the long-awaited finish line! Kerrie, Lucy and David were there to cheer me over the finish line. Thank you all so much, and to my brilliant mum & dad - so much appreciation!
A tough course with so much varying terrain but a good one to do. This challenged me in so many ways but proud to complete it. 96 out of 107 finishers.
Officials Results:-
Marathon - Kirsty Lack - 05:54:54
Half - Kyle Hastings - 01:37:59
