100 Marathon Club

Las Vegas Marathon – Nevada, USA, 4th December 2005 - by Colin Poole
Colin and his wife Shirley decided to have a nice winter break in Las Vegas and guess what Colin found a Marathon to
run whilst he was there – surprise /surprise!!
Well not really since the 40 th Las Vegas Marathon was in fact a NEW event (the old Marathon held last in February 2005
has been taken over by the new organization) and involved running through the “STRIP” and not as previously starting
out in the desert. Las Vegas is in fact a city built in the desert and expanding at a great rate, the new organization wanted
to make the marathon a more “city friendly“ event, hence the whole of the single circuit was up the strip and around the
perimeter of the city.
The marathon started at 0600 hrs (Colin left his hotel for the start some 2.5 miles away at 0430 hrs) with a temperature of
some 38 °F ie 3 ° C which was a little cool since the wind kept the temperature down for most of the race with the
temperature peaking at 49 °F ie 9 °C towards the end. For the first 14 miles (the Americans still use miles though Chip
Mats were placed at every 5 km) was hard with running into the wind which was most tiring, at 14 miles to 20 miles it was
on the back and 20 to 26 was a mixture of “rear to side wind“. The race was well organized with the Police controlling the
traffic keeping them away from the runners, water was provided at every mile station with energy drinks at every “other“
water station, there seemed to be plenty of both for all.
Colin’s time of 4.21.42 was a direct reflection on the first 14 miles against the wind and low temperatures which seemed
to drain the “energy resources“, but happy with the event and recommend this race to those who want to see the “city of
Casino’s”. Whilst this was slower than Kasterlee with a position of 3086 out of nearly 11000 runners listed to run then
nothing to complain about in the 65 to 69 age group.
Go on give it a “whirl“ in 2006, run the race, enjoy the city which never sleeps and spend your “bonus“ on the casino
machines !!
The Mole Valley Marathon, 18 th December 2005 – by Peter Graham
A well organised event by Peter & Moira Reed.
The start of the event was a Sports Centre. The course was a series of loops and you went round 6 times a larger loop of
3 miles and 4 loops of 1 mile. Then there was 2 miles to and from the Sports Centre. Peter Reed was manning the one
aid station around the course.
It was a beautiful day with the sun shining but it was very cold. The runners went off at times that suited them. The course
had some steep climbs but when you climb up there is always downhill to recover. The 3mile loop consisted of a steep
climb then a flat section before reaching a top section and running down. There were pathways that were very uneven
and you could easily slip care was needed on some downhill sections. The mile loop climbed up to a ridge before levelling
out and going downhill steeply to the main pathway that we had come along. Then the pathway lead back to the main
loop. Peter Reed not only had to look after the runners at the aid station but also make sure that runners completed the
correct number of loops.
Another great thing as far as I was concerned was the pathway was marked with flour so even I could not get lost.
At the end at the Sports Centre a Swim was the best thing I was looking forward to. Also there was some food and drink
at the end.
So another great day out and I hope that it will be repeated in 2006 so those runners who did not make the 2005 event
will be able to have a go in 2006
10. Readers’ Letters
Please write! We want your views and comments! Is there anyone out there?
11. Club Kit by Dave Major
It has been decided that the price of vests and t-shirts should remain at £15.
The price of sweatshirts was set at £18.
These prices will be reviewed at regular intervals.
We are getting samples of jackets but they seem to be very expensive.
Members have also expressed an interest in tricksters.
We are also looking around for an additional supplier for items such as fleeces etc.
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