Three lions got down to Victoria Embankment to complete the Ikano Bank Robin Hood Half Marathon 2018. It was a bit of a feat, because us lot are a lot more well trained in running our mouths over several IPAs more than anything else, but we bleddy did it, and lived to tell the tale...
This year, LeftLion Editor-in-Chief Jared, Editor Bridie and myself decided we’d put ourselves forward for a bit of gruelling Sunday morning punishment, and we’re happy to say all three of us lived to tell the tale. Although none of us are natural runners, we did manage to fit in a bit of training, and even surpassed our own expected times (go team!).
Starting at Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground, the comprehensive race village gave us chance to grab something stimulating, take an essential toilet trip and generally gee ourselves up. There we plenty of coffee stands, ice cream vans, burger stalls and even a Peroni bar on a speedboat to greet the thirsty finishers. All stretched out, we headed to the staggered start line to await the gun.
We were promptly off at 9.30am, but it took a little while for the peloton to unbunch and for everyone to get into their stride down the Embankment, with many pros at the front already a distant blur. We’d heard about the tough hill early on through the Park estate to Derby Road, but it still took the wind out of my sales. Mustn’t stop yet though. By Mile 6, you’ve followed Derby Road all the way up into Wollaton Hall, where many runners chose to take a quick comfort break. Back out the other side and back down Derby Road, you then run through the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus, before heading back through town and back to where you started.
A pretty tricky route, in all. But the encouragement from marshalls and cheering onlookers for the full 13.1 miles made a huge difference. I’ve run more isolated routes in the past, and it’s amazing just what a difference that support makes.
The main thing spurring us on though was our chosen cause. Recently, long time friend of the magazine Liati (aka Lee) and one half of awesome Notts music production duo The Elementz, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. A dedicated father and husband, Lee has been raising money for medical assistance during his treatment (read more about Lee’s story here). Thankfully, our wheezing efforts managed to raise a few donations to help, so a huge thanks go out to everyone who donated to this great cause.
Feeling inspired, or a little crazy? Entry for the 2019 IKANO Bank Robin Hood Marathon Events on 28-29 September 2019 is already open, including early bird pricing on the Half Marathon, Mini Marathon and Corporate Challenge. See you then…
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