Hot hot hot at Halstead Marathon!
It was a beautiful day on Sunday, far too hot to help marshal a marathon so spare a thought for the 475 who set out to run the 14th Halstead Marathon. This was the firm’s first time as a race sponsor and we decided if possible that we would not only give some money but try to give some further assistance by helping out on the race day itself.
We were offered the job of marshalling the route and took up the last 4 marshal spots before the finish to help clap the runners home. As we said it was a hot day and the organisers were expecting a slow race. For most of the competitors this was the case but the winner stormed home some 15 seconds outside the time that would have won him £200 for breaking the course record.
Our job involved keeping the runners safe – if they chose to take to the Sudbury Road instead of the pavement and observing them as they passed for signs of dehydration or ill health. As we occupied the last mile and 385 yards it was particularly pertinent to us and we passed out drinks to those who looked to be worse for wear. Unfortunately we did see one female runner collapse and have to be taken to the finish (385 yards away) by ambulance and having identified her pass this onto her Mother who was looking out for her.
We were really pleased by the reception that we received from the runners. Many thanked us for attending the race and encouraging them home. Not too difficult a task when you consider all the training undertaken by each participant who entered. Our thanks go to Sean and Deb Wiegand, Duncan Forsyth, James Fuller, Halim Rashid and Richard Hamilton who supported Nick Forsyth and Chris Harman on the day.
For more information on this year's race please click on the Halstead Road Runners logo to access their site.
Date:11 May 2008
