Halstead & Essex Ultra

UltraFlynn

posted: 12/22/2008 at 3:40 PM

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Halstead & Essex Marathon, Halstead Road Runners are staging a new event for 2009. In addition to the marathon there will also be a 30 mile Ultra Marathon run on the same course. The Ultra will start shortly before the main race at 9:45AM. Competitors will run the full marathon course plus an additional four mile loop. Our volunteers and marshals already have a very long day supporting the marathon, therefore runners will be required to reach the start of the extra loop at just after 25 miles within 4:15 to be allowed to continue with the Ultra (runners failing to reach this point can continue to complete the marathon and score accordingly). So as not to detract from our highly regarded marathon, Ultra entries will be strictly limited. Full details of the entry procedure will be announced on www.HalsteadAndEssexMarathon.co.uk on 2-Jan. Please note runners will need to have already entered the 2009 marathon before applying for a place in the Ultra.

UltraFlynn

posted: 12/22/2008 at 3:43 PM

Sorry for the shameless plug for this event (I'm one of the event organisers) but I thought you guys might be interested. Our marathon was voted 10th best race in the country last year by RW forumites and the ultra will be run along the same high standards. I got the feeling at Doyen of the Downs that ultra runners are happy with whatever organisation is given to them but from a race organisers point of view I thought they fell well short of the mark. Our race is known for it's organisational excellence and we strive to give our competitors the best possible experience.

Jerry-

posted: 12/22/2008 at 5:20 PM

Excellent, I love shameless plugging Big grin

Wow the logistics of organising individual runner's sports drinks sounds like a nightmare Shocked

Looks very popular with a 750 tickets sold out, how many are put aside for the 30 mile?

Jerry
A runners blog-updated daily

UltraFlynn

posted: 12/23/2008 at 4:40 AM

Allowing runners to provide there own drinks does cause us headaches but we think it's worth it. We havn't set any limits of the number of ultra runners. We tend to approach our entry limit in the 2 weeks before the events therefore I wouldn't want to set a limit.

ultra-Bobban

Cider IS carb loading

posted: 12/27/2008 at 3:08 PM

an ultra.....in undulating essex count me in. i can run home to my mums new house in mersea afters! erm second thoughts.....a cab after beers ultraFlynn....... a recce of the greatest noth east essex pubs please

http://ultrabobban.blogspot.com/

Jerry-

posted: 12/27/2008 at 3:52 PM

Rob I have found the route originally mapped by Flynn but have copied it onto Map my Run as it has a better elevation tool Big grin

Halstead & Essex Marathon Hope you don't mind Flynn Tongue

Jerry
A runners blog-updated daily

UltraFlynn

posted: 12/27/2008 at 4:07 PM

Jerry: Not in the slightest mate. I might add that to our website if you're ok with that. Bobban: Not sure about the pubs I'm afraid. I don't get to go out and sample the pubs very often. It's the price I pay for having 3 kids and working in London. I do know that there are two pubs on the race routes though. Smile

Jerry-

posted: 12/27/2008 at 4:19 PM

No problems about adding it to your site, it is set to public and was there for my and anyone's reference Big grin

It looks a lovely course, if fact the gradients appear to be about +/- 1% so perfect for PB territory and quite nice for an Ultra, I am seriously thinking about doing it as it fits in nicely with my Picnic marathon preparations in Box Hill, Dorking. All bookmarked and ready for a New Year discussion with Mrs Jerry Big grin

Jerry
A runners blog-updated daily

UltraFlynn

posted: 12/27/2008 at 4:32 PM

It funny actually, every year I have to explain to people what "undulating" actually means. People really want to believe it's totally flat, whereas in fact it isn't .... it's undulating. Smile

You guys though are used to much much more demanding gradients and as such I suspect that you, like me, will find it FLAT. I've actually run this race 5 times now and it is a lovely place to run through.

Celtic Tiger

posted: 12/27/2008 at 4:56 PM

Flynn, This sounds very promising from my point of view although like Jerry clearance will be required. I am quite tempted by the thought of a back to back with the Three forts the week before which would encompass two completely different marathon/ultra terrains nicely. By the way Bobban I am one and the same as "Kent Gooner" from the Doyen.

ultra-Bobban

Cider IS carb loading

posted: 12/28/2008 at 4:37 AM

nice one Celtic tiger.

http://ultrabobban.blogspot.com/

ultraBobban

posted: 1/6/2009 at 5:54 PM

ahh...now i have reverted back to ultraBobban!

Jerry-

posted: 1/6/2009 at 6:48 PM

More importantly have a look at London to Brighton where I guessed it was you Tongue

CT and I need an answer about L2B from you Shocked

Jerry
A runners blog-updated daily

UltraFlynn

posted: 1/8/2009 at 9:39 AM

Entries are now open for this event. The entry limit is very low so if you guys want to run it then I suggest you apply really soon.

Jerry-

posted: 1/8/2009 at 2:10 PM

Matt, as you can see there is some interest in an ultra in the middle section of the year with one ultra that has popped up in April and your one in May. I am thinking about my options at the moment as I have a fell marathon in June which needs a LOT of preparation do to the excessive step/hill gradients (7-8%) in places and 45-50 degree steps Shocked

There should be a good lead in/recovery time after your marathon but I certainly am interested, will dicuss with Mrs J tonight.

Jerry
A runners blog-updated daily

UK Ultra Runners

Halstead & Essex Ultra (Read 465 times)