The 10 Marathons in 10 Days Challenge
Day 9 Daily Report from Brathay
This was an important day for the runners – in part because completion of this day meant one left to do. Arriving at the start line was in a way a victory in itself. Get through Race #9 and enjoy Race # 10.
An overcast setting for the second day in a row – perfect conditions really. As with previous races George explained he was going to “take it easy”. It would be of great interest to know what would happen if he pushed himself because today, after 8 back-to-back marathons, he ran a course record for the 10 in 10, coming in first in a very fast 3:22. That’s a phenomenal time – he powered his way over, perhaps, through, the hills and by the end of the day looked none the worse off for it. He may run a blinder in Race #10.
In second place was Steve Edwards, again a model of efficiency and consistency. Unless something totally unpredictable happens in Race # 10, he will become the runner with the lowest overall time for completing 10 marathons in 10 days. He is in great form, and looks tireless on the road. Asides from general weariness he is not contending with any major injuries.
Phil Roberts and Jim Mundy again showed fine form and don’t appear to be struggling at all with injuries or weariness as we head into Race # 10. Malcolm Anderson had his best time of the 10 in 10, with a 4:33, surprising everyone by holding the led for the first 2 miles of the race. Close behind Malcolm at the finish was Ray O’Connor, with Matt Evans storming in before the 5-hour mark and followed then Michelle Atkins, Paul Adams and Selina Da Silva.
For some runners this was a long 26.2 miles given their injuries. But in general the course has felt smaller and smaller over the 10 days as we’ve become more and more familiar with it. There were more supporters along the route and a number of people either ran or cycled with us at different times. Cars were honking their horns, and people were leaning out of their car windows cheering us on. It all helps. Our ‘regular’ supporters on the route such as Pip, Jane, Tom, Teresa and John, were “there” to do what they can to help us around the Lake. It’s been magic. Families were scattered along the course cheering us on as well.
To say we are thrilled to have finally reached the end of Day 9 and ready for the final race would be an understatement. We celebrated on the night of Day 9 for a number of reasons – friends and families are arriving – not just supporting their own family members running but cheering on the entire 10 in 10 Team. It’s like one big family. And then we have the hundreds of runners and their families arriving for Sunday’s Lake Windermere Marathon, many of whom were registering and picking up their bags this Saturday. Complete strangers have come up to us and congratulated us on our efforts and asked questions about what we’ve done. The Brathay Board of Trustees have arrived and are also supportive and congratulating us on our achievements. And as individuals and as a collective, we feel proud of what we’ve done. Nothing would make us happier on the final day than to see all of us complete this 10 in 10 Challenge.
It could be an exciting final 10 in 10 race tomorrow. Steve, George, Phil, Jim and Ray are in great form and any one of these could turn the pace up. Everyone else will give it all they have as well, but are harbouring injuries of some form. They have to think beyond the 10 in 10 and not damage their bodies any further. Regardless, in the end the time and placing of the runners is not important. What’s important is that they successfully complete the Challenge.
The challenge is at the individual level. Completing the 10 in 10 requires you to reach from within and to be able to cope with the constantly changing context of the race from one day to the next. Each day is a new challenge; anything can happen. There are 10 new days and the 10 in 10 Challenge is about the capacity to cope with each day in addition to the cumulative effects of the days. We’ve all got to know our own selves much, much better by facing this reality.
We’re excited about the final day. The forecast looks good and there will be hundreds of people around. It will be a day we will not forget.
Day 9 Finish Times
- George Russell – 3:22
- Steve Edwards – 3:29
- Phil Roberts – 3:53
- Jim Mundy – 4:04
- Malcolm Anderson – 4:33
- Ray O’Connor – 4:34
- Matthew Evans – 4:58
- Michelle Atkins – 5:21
- Paul Adams – 5:47
- Selina Da Silva – 7:26
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