Anyone know anything about the Luton Marathon ?

Lex Luther

I decided not to enter DCM after all because knee trouble had disrupted a few crucial weeks of training. I'm fully recovered now and in good shape and after scratching around for awhile trying to find another marathon before the end of the year , I eventually decided to do Luton on the 6th December.
Just wondered if anyone here has done it , and has any thoughts , comments or advice ?
LL

baza1976

I know that there is a limit if I remember right I think it's about 300 people.

Also it was cancelled on the day last year due to ice on the roads.

It's nice and close do and getting there shouldn't cost too much.

TFBubendorfer

baza1976 wrote: »

I know that there is a limit if I remember right I think it's about 300 people.

Also it was cancelled on the day last year due to ice on the roads.

It's nice and close do and getting there shouldn't cost too much.

A friend of mine ran it a few years ago (he had missed DCM). I think it's 3 loops in the not exactly beautiful surroundings of Luton. Having said that, it was well organised and he enjoyed it.

scaryfairy

have you looked at reviews on Runners World:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/ratingsall.asp?sp=&v=1&ugn=276&en=20914

bazman

Do Florence on 29th November

dario28

Lex Luther wrote: »

I decided not to enter DCM after all because knee trouble had disrupted a few crucial weeks of training. I'm fully recovered now and in good shape and after scratching around for awhile trying to find another marathon before the end of the year , I eventually decided to do Luton on the 6th December.
Just wondered if anyone here has done it , and has any thoughts , comments or advice ?
LL

Its a depressing Kip...

mithril

dario28 wrote: »

Its a depressing Kip...

Which one ? Florence or Luton?

dario28

mithril wrote: »

Which one ? Florence or Luton?

Luton

Its dirty - run down - nothing nice to look at while running - it has a terrible reputation although if ya fancy a curry its top notch !

Florence would be really nice , although its quite cobbly , so that could be difficult

BeepBeep67

dario28 wrote: »

Its a depressing Kip...

It's not that nice, but I did experience my one and only mushy pea burger there :eek:

Brianderunner

Ran it in December 2007 after my failed DCM bid. Only £18 to enter. Easy to get to with ryanair. Starts about 2 miles north of town, a taxi is the best way. The year i ran it had constant downpours, howling gales and freezing cold weather. The commentator said "it was the worst weather conditions in the 40 year history of the race". The race itself is 3 laps through housing estates, 2 parks, main roads and country roads. A few small hills but nothing major. There is a marathon relay going on too, which is a bit of a nuisance to be honest. Water is just out of cups, and energy drink supplied is isotonic powder mixed with water. Would be handy if you had someone on the course to give you drinks. Goody bags are pretty decent, and you can take as many tshirts (cotton) as you want from all the previous years of the race. Glad i didnt do it last year, after the last minute cancellation, that was some disaster. It has the feel of a local road race to it, not a whole lot of spectators. In conclusion, i wouldnt recommend it.

Lex Luther

Brianderunner wrote: »

Ran it in December 2007 after my failed DCM bid. Only £18 to enter. Easy to get to with ryanair. Starts about 2 miles north of town, a taxi is the best way. The year i ran it had constant downpours, howling gales and freezing cold weather. The commentator said "it was the worst weather conditions in the 40 year history of the race". The race itself is 3 laps through housing estates, 2 parks, main roads and country roads. A few small hills but nothing major. There is a marathon relay going on too, which is a bit of a nuisance to be honest. Water is just out of cups, and energy drink supplied is isotonic powder mixed with water. Would be handy if you had someone on the course to give you drinks. Goody bags are pretty decent, and you can take as many tshirts (cotton) as you want from all the previous years of the race. Glad i didnt do it last year, after the last minute cancellation, that was some disaster. It has the feel of a local road race to it, not a whole lot of spectators. In conclusion, i wouldnt recommend it.

thanks a million for replying - thats very helpful and good to know
basically I've entered and booked flights so i'm going to go ahead regardless.
(florence would have been nice but timeing was wrong !)
do you mind if i asked where you stayed ?
also was there much hanging around at the start ?
any other tips ?
LL

Brianderunner

Stayed in the Days Hotel in Luton, good rates as far as i can remember, got reception to book a taxi for me (and my dad, who suffered as a spectator probably more than i did running) Not much hanging around at the start (10 mins max). Other advice; the last mile feels very long (it would though), after you turn off the main road and go through the last park and under the tunnel by the high rise flats. Also, dont get a bus back into town, they take ages to arrive. There was a handful of irish there so you wont be running alone, good luck!

Oisin11178

Lex Luther wrote: »

I decided not to enter DCM after all because knee trouble had disrupted a few crucial weeks of training. I'm fully recovered now and in good shape and after scratching around for awhile trying to find another marathon before the end of the year , I eventually decided to do Luton on the 6th December.
Just wondered if anyone here has done it , and has any thoughts , comments or advice ?
LL

Lex im running luton, staying in the premier inn. 2 nights in a double room 90 blips:)
It was cancelled last year due to a really bad car crash so no blame attached to organisers.
As others have said its 3 laps and the organisers call it undulating.
The limit is not 300 either, i think it is something like 800 and a relay to.
Probably see you there, what time you going for?

Lex Luther

Oisin11178 wrote: »

Lex im running luton, staying in the premier inn. 2 nights in a double room 90 blips:)
It was cancelled last year due to a really bad car crash so no blame attached to organisers.
As others have said its 3 laps and the organisers call it undulating.
The limit is not 300 either, i think it is something like 800 and a relay to.
Probably see you there, what time you going for?

Hi Oisin,

Good to know I'm not the only Paddy signed up to Luton.
I'm aiming to beat 3 hours - what about yourself ?
do you mind if I ask what decided you on the Premier Inn - is it handy for the start ? I am struggling to get my head around the geography of Luton and still havent decided where to stay.

Ll

Oisin11178

Its only a few miles away from the start. Its near the airport just of to the right of the main town and the marathon start is just north. Its all fairly close, just a taxi ride away. Dont know about time yet l have to see how Dublin goes. 1 thing for sure it wont be sub 3 hours:)

Oisin11178

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/141911/
Lex here is the runnersworld thread about luton. Might give you some extra info:)

911sc

Brianderunner wrote: »

Starts about 2 miles north of town, a taxi is the best way.

LOL, Celtic tiger generation:rolleyes:
Best way is surely on foot, walking or jogging very slowly.

Oisin11178

911sc wrote: »

LOL, Celtic tiger generation:rolleyes:
Best way is surely on foot, walking or jogging very slowly.

Have the wife with me and she is only over a big illness so cant walk 2 miles.
There is always a reason:)

RacoonQueen

Oisin11178 wrote: »

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/4/UTN/141911/
Lex here is the runnersworld thread about luton. Might give you some extra info:)

I probably shouldn't have read that thread. I wanna play now.

Oisin11178

Sign ups are closed but you can book in for twice the money and run as a 1 woman relay team RQ.:D
Lex how is the training going. Im all set now, just a few few medium lenght pace runs and another few small 1s left. 3 week taper ive gotta give the legs a rest, 20 mile pace run today:)

Lex Luther

Oisin11178 wrote: »

Sign ups are closed but you can book in for twice the money and run as a 1 woman relay team RQ.:D
Lex how is the training going. Im all set now, just a few few medium lenght pace runs and another few small 1s left. 3 week taper ive gotta give the legs a rest, 20 mile pace run today:)

Hi Oisin, training going very well - scarily stress and drama (and injury)free so far. One more heavy mileage week ( late 50's) and a long run to do next week-end and then roll on the taper !
Good look with the training and I'll be in touch between now and then.
LL

Oisin11178

Nearly there now boys. Only 2 weeks left. How is everything going lex?

Wilbury

Just wondering lads, how is your training going in this weather, are you getting all your miles in? My guess is that you are!!!!

Oisin11178

Wilbury wrote: »

Just wondering lads, how is your training going in this weather, are you getting all your miles in? My guess is that you are!!!!

Yeah not bad, 53 this week with a 21 mile lsr and 2 ten mile runs just lower than pace and a 12 mile pace run. 50ish the week before with a 20 mile pace run(hard):D
The weather is a bit hit and miss, ive been absolutly drenched a few times and the head winds down on the coast road where i do most of my runs can be harsh but its all good:D
Ill be training through christmas as well, im doing the glouceter marathon in january.

Lex Luther

Hi Oisin,

Sounds like your training is going very well , despite the rubbish weather ( anyone else tired of constantly drying out running shoes ?!)
My training had been going well ( 5 consective 55 mile plus weeks) but had to turn around and go home 2 miles into my planned 2 hour run yesterday. Legs just felt like lead. I'm a bit depressed but am going to try again this evening.
Hope next couple of weeks go well for you.
LL

Oisin11178

Ive felt bad on a few runs alright lex but i think there is a mental side to these feelings. The 20 mile pace run i did i felt great and could have easily gone on. The 21 mile lsr i did i barely made it to the end, the weather was dreadful for the second run and i started with a different attitude. I just wanted it over before it started so it was painful. As chris Akabusi used to say positive mental attitude:D

Wilbury

That is some commitment lads, L.L. that kind of running would have you finishing the 1000 mile challenge in about 18 weeks. Hope all goes well for both of you on the 6th, you deserve it!

Lex Luther

I'm back ! Did a strong 15 at 7 min pace last night with no ill effects.
Thanks for the encouragement lads !
Oisin I'll touch base with you before the 6th in case you want to meet for an orange juice in Luton on the Saturday evening.
Good luck with the next 12 days taper.....
LL

Oisin11178

Lex Luther wrote: »

I'm back ! Did a strong 15 at 7 min pace last night with no ill effects.
Thanks for the encouragement lads !
Oisin I'll touch base with you before the 6th in case you want to meet for an orange juice in Luton on the Saturday evening.
Good luck with the next 12 days taper.....
LL

Yeah no bother lex, nice to see your training ended well. Enjoy the rest of your taper. Did a decent 15 at race pace the weekend myself. Just hope the weather is ok on the day:)

Lex Luther

Last post before Sunday - good luck to any and all running in Luton ........we'll exchange war stories afterwards no doubt !

LL

Oisin11178

yeah good luck lex:)

misty floyd

Good luck Lex and whoever else is doing this one. Lex, I was talking to you on a club run a few thursdays ago....you might not remmember. Anyway, hope you get what you worked for. Talk after.

Lex Luther

misty floyd wrote: »

Good luck Lex and whoever else is doing this one. Lex, I was talking to you on a club run a few thursdays ago....you might not remmember. Anyway, hope you get what you worked for. Talk after.

Cheers Misty ( I remember the run very well - you were flying !)

Oisin11178

3.42 for me and 3.04 for lex (excellent running:D )
Hard course, very undulating and a ridicoulous head wind for over half the race. When it was time to get the benifit of the wind a housing estate blocked it. My hamstring went haywire after 15 miles when i was on course for 3.30. After this it was a battle to finish. Desolate course in places, barely any support. Good marshalls and drinks stations. Good organisation in general but i wont be back for another go. Reminds me of Longford to be honest. If you wanna do things like. A. Run through a shopping centre carpark.
B. Run alongside a couple of tower blocks. Then this is the marathon for you. Only partial road closrures as well, seen a couple of close shaves with cars and runners.
Should have done Lisbon:D

Lex Luther

Oisin11178 wrote: »

3.42 for me and 3.04 for lex (excellent running:D )
Hard course, very undulating and a ridicoulous head wind for over half the race. When it was time to get the benifit of the wind a housing estate blocked it. My hamstring went haywire after 15 miles when i was on course for 3.30. After this it was a battle to finish. Desolate course in places, barely any support. Good marshalls and drinks stations. Good organisation in general but i wont be back for another go. Reminds me of Longford to be honest. If you wanna do things like. A. Run through a shopping centre carpark.
B. Run alongside a couple of tower blocks. Then this is the marathon for you. Only partial road closrures as well, seen a couple of close shaves with cars and runners.
Should have done Lisbon:D

Oisin,
As I said to you all ready - fair play for toughing it out for 11 miles with a flaky hamstring.
I'd agree with the comments - i wont be doing Luton again in a hurry.

Really helpful, nice and knowledgeable marshals and organisation was fine, but the course is pretty horrible aesthetically and with all the hills, sharp turns and changes of terrain not a good Pb course I think.
(Having said that I thnk some people did PB on the day so what do I know !)
Personally I found it tough with the wind and hills. I had no company on the road for most of last 10 miles (nobody within 50 metres either side) and once i realised a sub 3 was off the cards I lost a bit of heart and having noboby to "race " against I slowed right down.
LL

Oisin11178

Lex Luther wrote: »

Oisin,
As I said to you all ready - fair play for toughing it out for 11 miles with a flaky hamstring.
I'd agree with the comments - i wont be doing Luton again in a hurry.

Really helpful, nice and knowledgeable marshals and organisation was fine, but the course is pretty horrible aesthetically and with all the hills, sharp turns and changes of terrain not a good Pb course I think.
(Having said that I thnk some people did PB on the day so what do I know !)
Personally I found it tough with the wind and hills. I had no company on the road for most of last 10 miles (nobody within 50 metres either side) and once i realised a sub 3 was off the cards I lost a bit of heart and having noboby to "race " against I slowed right down.
LL

Totally agree about the course. In my opinion having done Dublin this year and taking into account this course and its varying terrain ranging from tarmac to mud to grass, concrete ect.... and the weather, Dublin was at least 5 mins easier if not more. Not to mention no company on the course. I spoke to 1 person for about 2 mins during the whole race:(
This gives you more time to contemplate the bad weather and the pain ect...
As i said to you last night Derek, find a nice flat marathon in the spring/summer and you will obliterate 3 hours bud:D

misty floyd

Oisin11178 wrote: »

find a nice flat marathon in the spring/summer and you will obliterate 3 hours bud:D

Rotterdam. Loads of us doing it here. Also, Lex, a couple of the lads said they might do it from the club.

Well done lads. Enjoy the week or whatever break you have. Not the best time to park the runners with xmas around the corner. Actually maybe it is a good time when I think about it.

Oisin11178

misty floyd wrote: »

Rotterdam. Loads of us doing it here. Also, Lex, a couple of the lads said they might do it from the club.

Well done lads. Enjoy the week or whatever break you have. Not the best time to park the runners with xmas around the corner. Actually maybe it is a good time when I think about it.

Or if that doesnt float, Edinburgh is the fastest marathon in Europe. So they say:D

Brianderunner

Well done guys on the run. I bet you wanted to die on the twisty roads near dunstable with 3/4 miles left. I did try to warn you about the plainess of the race a few weeks back! Its definitely not one for doing again. compensation if you miss Dublin through injury thats all.