Mike Guess – finished the half marathon in 1:35:48
The course is mostly along the coastline, and it was a relief that the wind wasn’t as strong as it can be down there. The hill at 8 miles always takes it out of you, but it was only in the last few miles that my legs started to really complain. Overall, a sub 1.20 clocking despite the challenges at the start so I was happy enough with that given the preparation and quite nice to enjoy a full English afterwards on the sea front… currently not in the results, so not official, but hey there are worse things! Oh, and a big thank you to the Sandhurst supporters club who turned up on mass around the course… it always helps to know people are out there watching…
You can read Graham’s full report here
Ray Hale – finished the half marathon in 1:37:57
Once again Bournemouth was another great event; a stunning course, gorgeous weather, and great SJ support both on and off the course. To finish quicker than planned whilst feeling there was still plenty in the tank is a feeling I’ll cherish, such a great way to end a race. I think Lou Gubb summed it up beautifully when she commented on my post “Train Hard Race Easy!”….she has a point!
You can read Wayne’s full report here
Jackie Brighton finished the marathon in 4:21:03
Earlier this year after some successful half marathons and increasing my mileage I decided to enter a marathon. I decided on Bournemouth as the weather would have cooled down a bit by October (I hate running in the heat – give me a cold early morning run any day!). Typically I then became injured. Tendonitis in my foot then a torn calf put paid to my training for a lot of the summer. I started running again mid August. I was thinking of pulling out of Bournemouth due to lack of training but had my arm twisted by a few Monday night club runners to give it a go! Fast forward to Sunday 7th October. A chilly morning but the sun was shining. Great atmosphere and very well organised. Set off in waves just after 10am. Started off reasonably flat but the hills gradually kicked in. I enjoyed the sea view throughout most of the course with lots of straight sections along the beach front. Great support from the crowds. Loads of water stations. I’d definitely recommend it although it’s not a course to try for a PB!
Claire Rowse completed her debut marathon in 3:56:19
Brilliant support between Boscombe and Bournemouth pier – I was greeted by the friendly faces of Jim Laidlaw and Wayne Boardman who were walking along the front after their half marathons, and also by the awesome SJ cheer squad at the end of Boscombe pier. Also my husband and daughter spied me from high up in the ferris wheel. After I made my way through the finish area to collect my goodie bag and medal, I made my way back to find my family and enjoyed a paddle in the sea with my daughter to soothe my aching feet. It was rude not to on a sunny warm day by the seaside and the perfect way to end my first marathon.
You can read Claire’s full report here
Kieran Cooper finished the half marathon in 1:46:37
All in all it was a really good experience and to come away with a huge PB was amazing. I’ll definitely be going back next year, maybe for a sub 1:40? I need to give a big shoutout to the multiple people who were shouting my name from Sandhurst and also the other Sandhurst Jogers. It’s weird how much it can push you on and make you run harder when people are encouraging you.
Read Kieran’s full race report here
Jim Laidlaw finished the half marathon in 1:28:47
You can read Jim’s full report here
Caroline Stuart finished the marathon in 4:03:50
Along the sea front was glorious, a shout out from fellow SJ Jim Laidlaw kept me moving.. the last 6 miles definitely felt like the hardest ones and felt like they were never going to end. Waiting for the turn to head back was really hard on the mind for sure… I knew I was running a good time for me and found it hard not to keep clock watching but could see the time ticking away!! Over the finish line, 6 minutes better than my PB set 2 years earlier so although I’m not quite there yet (sub 4), it’s a good step in the right direction towards my target! I would definitely recommend it as a race to do… amazing views doing what we all love best!
You can read Caroline’s full report here
Kirsty Darcy finished her first marathon in 4:57:06
My family were all at the finish line along with my friend (who had taken ill during the race and forced to withdraw) which I was delighted about. In total I raised £1600 for Motor Neurones disease.
I always vowed never to run again after this marathon… my aim was always to burn my trainers however much to my surprise and everyone who knows me… I actually quite enjoyed it! My marathon time was not fast, it definitely wasn’t pretty but it definitely won’t be my last!
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