22nd Marrakech Half Marathon Complete 8 down only 2 to go.

Just finished the Marrakech Half. I would highly recommend a visit to Marrakech, if you haven't already been, the old part of the city is amazing, you half expect Indiana Jones to drive through in a German army truck.

The race wasn't unfortunately very inspiring. The route was a string of one or two mile straight roads, with no discernible views followed by the odd corner then another 2 mile bland road. Only at around 10 miles did we see some sort of civilisation, by which time it was too late, I had lost the will to live.

In addition it rained early this morning, so the humidity meant I was soaked through after only a mile. Add to this the locals who insist on walking/running 6 a breast on the narrow parts of the course and the total chaos at the end of the race, with people fighting to get medals and you will get the general idea that it was not the best race.

Finished in an uninspired 2hrs 10 minutes.

Lesson of the day is definitely visit Marrakech, but don't run the Half Marathon.

Rest through February then penultimate race in Lisbon in March.

22nd Marrakech International Half Marathon

Cold and Wet, surely this can't be Africa. Race number 8 in 30 minutes

The Most Northern Half Marathon on the Plant completed in the middle of winter - 7 down only 3 to go

Just finished the Polar Nights Half Marathon in the city of Tromso, which is at Latitude 70 degrees North, making this the most Northern Half Marathon in the world. That is the same latitude as Siberia and Alaska.

 

It was certainly challenging with a temperature of -7 degrees, darkness and a track that was a mixture of ice, compacted snow and the odd snow drift for good measure. The race was ran on footpaths, which were only partly lit by street light, the remaining sections were lit by candles (what looked like IKEA Citronella candles actually). Saw my first ever multi runner pile up on an icy bend near the start, but all seemed to be uninjured. The route was also quite hilly, especially the first 3 miles and last 3 miles.

 

The route took you from Tromso City centre out to the airport, were a large cone in the middle of the path had the sign “halfway point turn around here”. Managed to stay on my feet, avoid frost bite and finished with a respectable 2:07:30.

 

Still haven’t seen the Northern Lights yet which is disappointing, but hopefully tonight.

 

Next race will be a little warmer in Morocco.

 

Thanks again for all the support and keep the sponsorship coming in,

 

Nigel

 

Cold and Dark, but all set to go....

Famous in Norway - big article in the Tromso Paper today

I have no idea what it says, but it is even in the Sports section, does that make me a sportsman?

Off into the late morning darkness to collect my number, more updates later

Running Man Article on BBC Website

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/wear/hi/front_page/newsid_9337000/9337030.stm

 

Nigel

 

 

Live Interview on Radio Newcastle

Below is a link to the live interview I did on Radio Newcastle yesterday (4/1). Fast forward to 49 minutes to hear it

 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_newcastle

 

Nigel

Happy New Year and a week until the Polar Nights Half Marathon.

Hope everyone had a great New Years Eve and has a successful 2011. This year is starting with a bit of publicity, an article today in the Northern Echo.

Listen out on Tuesday (4/1) as I am doing a live interview on Radio Newcastle at 7:50am. Think I am more worried about that than the Polar Race!