On Saturday twelve hardy harriers stepped up to run over all the distances on offer at the Causeway Coast Marathon from Ultra-marathon through to 10km. The course offered a range of terrain and obstacles including boardwalks, soft cliff paths, tall nettles, stone beaches, sand, road and scrambling over large slippy boulders. Weather conditions could have been said to be perfect in the earlier part of the day with a bit of sunshine and a stiff breeze. As the day progressed it got a tad warmer but thankfully there was plenty of water on hand at the aid stations.
Starting the day off at 7am were Claire and Aaron in the Ultra. They started at Portstewart Strand and made their way to Portballintrae along the coastal path to start the journey to Carrick-a-Rede and back again. Clocking over 39 miles over the day they both ran amazingly with Claire coming 3rd female.
Patricia, Suzanne andChris took part in the Full marathon event from Portballintrae to Carrick-a-Rede and back again. While Heather, Joanne, Rhonda, Darren, Patrick and Allen took part in the challenging Half marathon starting at Carrick-a-Rede and running uphill for the majority after a stint on White Park Bay beach. Everyone finished strongly up to the finish line at Portballintrae. There is a rumour than Patrick and his son missed the bus to the start…thanks to the good samaritan who gave them a lift. Our sole representative in the 10km was the invincible Wendy! Powering up from Dunseverick Castle she crossed the line with her usual enthusiasm and smile.
Thanks to David for the support and photos and thanks to John and Fiona for the finish line support.
