Alastair Ran the full 26 miles Salisbury to Winchester in 2021
Last year Alastair completed the Clarendon Marathon. This is his story:
I’ve been keen on off-road orienteering and short distance running for many years, but always thought that running a marathon distance might be beyond me. However, deep down, some inspiration from my family history still gave me some hope, even though I’m now in my forties. My late grandfather, Alex Adams, from Glasgow, was a marathon runner in the 1920s/early 1930s. He was 3rd in the 1928 Tailteann Games marathon in Dublin, ran several Morpeth to Newcastle New Year road races (coming 6th in 1930), and also Edinburgh to Glasgow relays with his Maryhill Harriers clubmates Dunky Wright and Donald Robertson (those two both competed in the Olympic marathon and were very close to medals). A few years ago, with an emotional draw, I entered a Morpeth to Newcastle marathon, but the event didn’t take place and I probably wasn’t really fit enough at the time anyway. I then heard about the Clarendon Marathon.
Alex Adams
I live in Glasgow, but grew up in Winterslow due to my Dad’s work, so decided this would now be a perfect target for my first marathon. Slightly nervously I entered the 2021 event, and was really looking forward to running through some old haunts, hoping I could manage to get round and make some more family history. I thought the off-road terrain would suit me and be more scenic than a road race, and decided to get some practice in. I didn’t want to overdo the training on my knees, so didn’t try anywhere near the marathon distance in advance. I did a few half-marathon training routes across various hills of Glasgow, planned by an inspirational hill-running friend, Malcolm Patterson.
Pitton 4 miles done, 22 miles to go.
I drove down to Salisbury, and luck was on my side with a lovely sunny Autumn day, so was quite relaxed as I wandered across Laverstock Meadows to the start (I think I could still spot the panda). I reminded myself not to go off too fast and to try and keep a steady jog. The Clarendon Estate was lovely, there were some more memories in Pitton, and then a special moment arriving in Winterslow past the church, through my old school ‘Rec’ field, then surprising Mr Moody the local farmer, when I passed him on The Causeway.
Winterslow 6 miles done, 20 miles to go.
There was an encouraging welcome around half way at Broughton which helped a lot, as a bit of tiredness was starting to set in. Having kept going steadily, I was reduced to a walk on a muddy hillside, but it was worth just saving energy here. I was eating more and more jelly sweets at the welcome stations, and really started cramping up just after Farley Mount, but was near enough to the finish to plod on. I found energy from somewhere to sprint the last 100 yards and was absolutely delighted to finish. I managed to speak to my Mum on the phone straight afterwards and she was very proud!
Broughton 13 miles done, 13 miles to go.
Many thanks to all the volunteers who work so hard to make this such a well organised event. I thought that one marathon would be enough for me, but have entered another around whisky distilleries in Speyside this Autumn... and hopefully I’ll be back to the Clarendon another year to try and beat my time!
Alex Adams on the right No 36