Midsummer Munro Half Marathon: 2 July 2005
All runners
| # | Pos  |
Name |
Time  |
Cat |
Club |
Pace |
| 1 | 1 | Robert Murray | 2:00:00 | SM | Serpentine | 9:09 |
| 2 | 2 | Graham Kendall | 2:08:00 | SM | Unattached | 9:45 |
| 3 | 3 | Rachel Powell | 2:39:00 | FV35 | Serpentine | 12:07 |
| 4 | 4 | Tony Crawte | 2:55:00 | SM | Serpentine | 13:20 |
Report
While the rest of the world rocked to Live8, I and 79 other intrepid runners were rocking to a different tune – the Midsummer Munro. Known as “The Hardest Half” in Britain, this race involved ascending and descending Box Hill eight times, a total of 3000ft up and 3000ft down over the half marathon distance. The route was so tough it made the mountain stages of Welsh Castles and Green Belt look positively flat in comparison.
The course was entirely off-road and comprised a mixture of forest trails, downland paths, and steps – hundreds and hundreds of them. The first mile was a severe test of one’s will to live, comprising a steep uphill climb; there were runners walking within the first 200m. This was then followed by an almost vertical 500ft descent on steps, and an immediate 500ft ascent of the same steps. As the course was an out and back route, every such delight had to be tackled twice. The scenery was, however, stunning, and when I dared take my eyes off the path for a second, provided good compensation for the pain.
The organisation of the race was excellent, the route well-marked and marshalled, and there were plenty of goodies along the way (water, lucozade, jelly babies and mars bars). The camaraderie between the runners was second to none – I think we all used an awful lot of energy just cheering each other on. All finishers received a medal, and all participants received a race memento (a snazzy bag to carry off-road shoes in (with a carrot inside (?)) There was also a delicious picnic for everyone at the end (The Picnic, the hardest marathon in the country, took place over the same course at the same time – respect to Gavin Edmonds who came second in that race).
The toughness of the course can be seen in the finishing times. The first man came home in 1:59, followed by our very own Rob Murray in 2:00 – well done Rob. The first woman crossed the line in 2:17, so I was delighted with my 2:39 and 8th woman position. The last runner was out on the course for more than four hours.
If you dislike Green Park mountain, think the Watford Half is too hilly, or shy away from those relay mountain stages, this may not be the race for you. But if you enjoy a serious challenge, and want to have the greatest sense of satisfaction ever, I highly recommend it.
More details and photos can be seen at www.propubs.com/mm
Report by Rachel Powell
Further comments by Robert Murray
There were 3 Serpies running the 1/2 Marathon. The race was very hilly, ascending 3000ft through fields and forest tracks. Results of the Serpies are:
Robert Murray - 2nd Place - 02:00:00 hrs
Rachel Powell - 46th Place - 02:39:00 hrs
Tony Crawte - 64th Place - 02:55:00 hrs
Result queries
This race is enabled for self add. If your result is missing you can add it by clicking on the self add result button at the top and entering the correct details.
If you have any queries about these results please email results@serpentine.org.uk