Races Abroad
Verona Half Marathon 2019
On the 17th February 18 members of Worthing Striders plus 2 guests runners joined up with over 7000 thousand runners from all over Europe to participate in the Verona half marathon in what can only be described as glorious race conditions. Our runners were supported by a further 7 adults and 2 children who had travelled to enjoy the romance of the City and cheer us on at different points along the Course. This made our group up to a dizzy number of 29! The largest number so far travelling to a Race in Europe. The flat course was enjoyed by all as we weaved our way around Verona, over bridges that crossed the beautiful river that surrounds the City; we ran along cobbled streets through the old historic centre, passed ancient monuments and finished within sight of the famous Arena that hosts open air opera during the summer months.
Verona proved to be a really popular destination as on our free days some boarded the train to visit the beautiful city of Venice to enjoy a ride in a Gondola whilst others took the train and bus to Lake Garda to eat Gelato on sun glistened terraces. On other mornings and afternoons there was plenty to occupy our thirst for sightseeing in Verona itself and by night we were fortunate enough to eat outside at long tables together at fabulous Pizzerias which lined the open squares of the old town. We even found the Irish Bar for a night cap or two before heading off to rest our weary legs!
Verona proved to be a really popular destination as on our free days some boarded the train to visit the beautiful city of Venice to enjoy a ride in a Gondola whilst others took the train and bus to Lake Garda to eat Gelato on sun glistened terraces. On other mornings and afternoons there was plenty to occupy our thirst for sightseeing in Verona itself and by night we were fortunate enough to eat outside at long tables together at fabulous Pizzerias which lined the open squares of the old town. We even found the Irish Bar for a night cap or two before heading off to rest our weary legs!
NEW YORK MARATHON
Keith Fowler took part in 2018 NYC marathon.......... Congratulations Keith well done
From everything I had read about the race and everyone I had spoken to beforehand, I knew this was going to be a special run. The moment the NYPD helicopters buzzed overhead, the national anthem finished and cannons fired to start I wasn't disappointed.
Pretty much the whole city came out to cheers the runners on. The route was jam-packed with people cheering, high-fiving (not just the kids) and music every mile. I’d heard a lot about the crowds on First Avenue, but for me, the neighbourhoods along the Brooklyn section had the best atmosphere.
I’m more used to running marathons in cities like London and Manchester or off road over the downs. So the miles-long straight avenues with steam billowing up from the manholes, with no twists and turns gave a unique view on where you had been and where you had to get to. The long straight sections were only really broken up by bridges. And as these bridges were the only place where the crowd couldn't access they were the only place where there wasn’t any cheering and shouts of ‘you got this’.
The final few miles along Fifth Avenue, although on paper was only a gentle climb was brutal on tired legs. I suffered, but the view of Central Park and my family cheering kept me going to the end.
It was a pretty hard marathon, what marathon isn’t. I, without doubt, picked up a PB on the number of high fives during a marathon but struggled to speed the legs up in the final section. That’s two ticked off on the marathon majors list so far
From everything I had read about the race and everyone I had spoken to beforehand, I knew this was going to be a special run. The moment the NYPD helicopters buzzed overhead, the national anthem finished and cannons fired to start I wasn't disappointed.
Pretty much the whole city came out to cheers the runners on. The route was jam-packed with people cheering, high-fiving (not just the kids) and music every mile. I’d heard a lot about the crowds on First Avenue, but for me, the neighbourhoods along the Brooklyn section had the best atmosphere.
I’m more used to running marathons in cities like London and Manchester or off road over the downs. So the miles-long straight avenues with steam billowing up from the manholes, with no twists and turns gave a unique view on where you had been and where you had to get to. The long straight sections were only really broken up by bridges. And as these bridges were the only place where the crowd couldn't access they were the only place where there wasn’t any cheering and shouts of ‘you got this’.
The final few miles along Fifth Avenue, although on paper was only a gentle climb was brutal on tired legs. I suffered, but the view of Central Park and my family cheering kept me going to the end.
It was a pretty hard marathon, what marathon isn’t. I, without doubt, picked up a PB on the number of high fives during a marathon but struggled to speed the legs up in the final section. That’s two ticked off on the marathon majors list so far
GENSAN GIULIETTA & ROMEO-VERONA ITALY
Since are last trip to the Barcelona Half Marathon in 2018 we have been busy trying to find a date for 2019 for a European race and after much thought Verona seemed to fit around school holidays so it was picked . the race will take place on the 17th February 2019
It is a flat fast course with approx 1000 runners.
All finishers get a medal and a technical T shirt .
Registration fee is currently 20 Euros which may rise to 35 Euros depending on number of entrants.
The options for the race are
Half Marathon
Duo Half Marathon ( 2 runners compete as a team 10k for first runner 11k for the second to complete the distance) same course as normal race. Both runners will get a medal and T shirt.
5K Monument Run .
For more information or to enter the race visit http://giuliettaeromeohalfmarathon.it/en/
or speak to a committee member.
There are many local hotels and B & B in area at a range of prices. It is suggested to try and stay in the old town as it is easier to meet up .
Both Eastjet and British Airways have daily flights from Gatwick to Verona.
There is a sign up sheet on the club notice board for people who are going this may help runners liaise on possible lift and room share arrangements if they wish .
It is a flat fast course with approx 1000 runners.
All finishers get a medal and a technical T shirt .
Registration fee is currently 20 Euros which may rise to 35 Euros depending on number of entrants.
The options for the race are
Half Marathon
Duo Half Marathon ( 2 runners compete as a team 10k for first runner 11k for the second to complete the distance) same course as normal race. Both runners will get a medal and T shirt.
5K Monument Run .
For more information or to enter the race visit http://giuliettaeromeohalfmarathon.it/en/
or speak to a committee member.
There are many local hotels and B & B in area at a range of prices. It is suggested to try and stay in the old town as it is easier to meet up .
Both Eastjet and British Airways have daily flights from Gatwick to Verona.
There is a sign up sheet on the club notice board for people who are going this may help runners liaise on possible lift and room share arrangements if they wish .
CHICAGO MARATHON
Congratulations to Hannah Wise who completed the Chicago Marathon on the 7th October 2018. Here are a few photos.
|
|
|
Worthing Striders. The friendly running club.
|