Cologne Marathon/Half Marathon 13th October 2013
Starting off from Eastbourne 10 members travelled in a minibus to Heathrow for the trip to Cologne, Germany, to take part in either the full Marathon or Half Marathon the next day. The flight was only 1 hour and with just 3 stops on the train and a 1km walk, the group reached their Hotel.
After dropping off bags, it was back out to the Expo to register for the race and collect a rather splendid 'goodie bag' containing among other items a very nice commemorative glass. Lots of trade stands to visit and the opportunity to buy last minute gels & power bars for the next day. Several of the group tried to persuade the Garmin reps that because they were advertising their product on their 'hoodies' they should get a free one but to no avail! (Slogan on this year's top was 'If I collapse, please press 'Pause' on my Garmin!')
Finding a restaurant in a large city on a Saturday night for 10 people without booking is a bit of a challenge! Eventually a rather grumpy waiter found the group a table, fortunately the food was excellent. Large helpings of pasta and pizza were consumed along with a few 'Weissbiers!' Said 'grumpy waiter' mellowed as the evening went on and managed a smile when we left! Too late for a tip!
Race day dawned with an early breakfast for Sherrill, Tanya, Dave, Janet & Claire who were to start the Half Marathon at 8:30. Tim, Colin and Mike not starting the marathon until 11:30 were able to join the rest of the group to watch & support.
A fine drizzle soon stopped and the race conditions were perfect at 12C with a cool breeze. The course zigzagged its way around the city with plenty of bands, especially drummers to add to the atmosphere.
You would think that getting up at 3am to start a trip to a foreign country and travelling all day is not conducive to fast race times the next day. However, brt members have the ability to rise to the occasion and some amazing results were achieved. This year in particular has been a challenging one for many in the group due to personal health issues, long term injuries and not to mention the pressures of work and everyday life. No one had been able to complete the amount of training and preparation that they would have liked to but strength of character shone through in abundance. Sometimes less is more and not having any expectations can prove positive.
Results were as follows:
Marathon.
Tim Cox 3:19:46 (2nd ever fastest one he has run)
Colin Hanks 3:21:46 (97th AG)
Mike Stokes 3:54:54 (24th in AG & 1st Britain in AG home)
Half Marathon
Sherrill Barrett 1:48:07 (13AG)
Tanya Cox 1:57:11 (2nd fastest one she has run)
Janet Purser 2:12:40 (7th AG 1st Britain in AG home)
Dave Oxbrow 2:12:41(52nd AG)
Claire Hanks 2:37:48 (pb after being advised not to run!)
Chris Sage and Gill Stokes went along as organisers and support and managed to capture a few videos which can be seen in the Gallery.
Tired but very elated the group made their way back to the Hotel for celebratory drinks in the bar. brt members also excel in this pastime! One of the conditions of running an event for Sherrill is a glass of 'bubbles' as her recovery drink! By the time quite a few had been consumed the group decided to eat in the Hotel, the barman was very accommodating and set up a large table within the bar area!
Sunday commenced with a long leisurely breakfast and then as the group were so near to the airport a whole day in Cologne could be enjoyed. Tim and Tanya took advantage of catching up with a friend while the rest headed into the city for a 'Dotto' train sightseeing tour. 'Bad boy' Colin Hanks was caught drinking in the street (his excuse was he couldn't take it on the plane!) Traditional Bratwurst (along with more bier!) was consumed at lunchtime served up by a lovely German lady with a sense of humour! A visit to the imposing cathedral and a bit of shopping and the day was complete.
The trip home was eventful. Waiting in the departure lounge Mike noticed that a couple of groundsmen kept pointing at one of the engines on the plane (an observation he kept to himself!). Now, Chris Sage admits she does not enjoy take off or landing so you can just imagine her horror as the plane aborted its take off at the last minute due to said engine showing a fault! Her fingernails were left in her seat!
So it was back to the departure lounge for a delay while a plane was flown from Berlin to take us home. The group were given a voucher for food and drink but as flights from Cologne airport cease overnight there was little in the way of sustenance left. Beer and Snickers is an acquired taste!!!!!
Finally arrived home just before midnight, tired but having experienced a fabulous weekend.
After dropping off bags, it was back out to the Expo to register for the race and collect a rather splendid 'goodie bag' containing among other items a very nice commemorative glass. Lots of trade stands to visit and the opportunity to buy last minute gels & power bars for the next day. Several of the group tried to persuade the Garmin reps that because they were advertising their product on their 'hoodies' they should get a free one but to no avail! (Slogan on this year's top was 'If I collapse, please press 'Pause' on my Garmin!')
Finding a restaurant in a large city on a Saturday night for 10 people without booking is a bit of a challenge! Eventually a rather grumpy waiter found the group a table, fortunately the food was excellent. Large helpings of pasta and pizza were consumed along with a few 'Weissbiers!' Said 'grumpy waiter' mellowed as the evening went on and managed a smile when we left! Too late for a tip!
Race day dawned with an early breakfast for Sherrill, Tanya, Dave, Janet & Claire who were to start the Half Marathon at 8:30. Tim, Colin and Mike not starting the marathon until 11:30 were able to join the rest of the group to watch & support.
A fine drizzle soon stopped and the race conditions were perfect at 12C with a cool breeze. The course zigzagged its way around the city with plenty of bands, especially drummers to add to the atmosphere.
You would think that getting up at 3am to start a trip to a foreign country and travelling all day is not conducive to fast race times the next day. However, brt members have the ability to rise to the occasion and some amazing results were achieved. This year in particular has been a challenging one for many in the group due to personal health issues, long term injuries and not to mention the pressures of work and everyday life. No one had been able to complete the amount of training and preparation that they would have liked to but strength of character shone through in abundance. Sometimes less is more and not having any expectations can prove positive.
Results were as follows:
Marathon.
Tim Cox 3:19:46 (2nd ever fastest one he has run)
Colin Hanks 3:21:46 (97th AG)
Mike Stokes 3:54:54 (24th in AG & 1st Britain in AG home)
Half Marathon
Sherrill Barrett 1:48:07 (13AG)
Tanya Cox 1:57:11 (2nd fastest one she has run)
Janet Purser 2:12:40 (7th AG 1st Britain in AG home)
Dave Oxbrow 2:12:41(52nd AG)
Claire Hanks 2:37:48 (pb after being advised not to run!)
Chris Sage and Gill Stokes went along as organisers and support and managed to capture a few videos which can be seen in the Gallery.
Tired but very elated the group made their way back to the Hotel for celebratory drinks in the bar. brt members also excel in this pastime! One of the conditions of running an event for Sherrill is a glass of 'bubbles' as her recovery drink! By the time quite a few had been consumed the group decided to eat in the Hotel, the barman was very accommodating and set up a large table within the bar area!
Sunday commenced with a long leisurely breakfast and then as the group were so near to the airport a whole day in Cologne could be enjoyed. Tim and Tanya took advantage of catching up with a friend while the rest headed into the city for a 'Dotto' train sightseeing tour. 'Bad boy' Colin Hanks was caught drinking in the street (his excuse was he couldn't take it on the plane!) Traditional Bratwurst (along with more bier!) was consumed at lunchtime served up by a lovely German lady with a sense of humour! A visit to the imposing cathedral and a bit of shopping and the day was complete.
The trip home was eventful. Waiting in the departure lounge Mike noticed that a couple of groundsmen kept pointing at one of the engines on the plane (an observation he kept to himself!). Now, Chris Sage admits she does not enjoy take off or landing so you can just imagine her horror as the plane aborted its take off at the last minute due to said engine showing a fault! Her fingernails were left in her seat!
So it was back to the departure lounge for a delay while a plane was flown from Berlin to take us home. The group were given a voucher for food and drink but as flights from Cologne airport cease overnight there was little in the way of sustenance left. Beer and Snickers is an acquired taste!!!!!
Finally arrived home just before midnight, tired but having experienced a fabulous weekend.
