15th Semi
Dimanche 23 Avril 2006
My first race on French soil and with
over 3000 in the Half Marathon and 2000 plus in the combined 10K, this was also
my biggest overseas event.
First problem was parking, like there
is none. Irene’s son, Lee, dropped us off as close as possible to the start and
we jogged down side streets to the Promenade de Anglais.
Second problem was finding a toilet, a
typical problem in any French City. We did find a hotel at first but once we
were near the masses we had to improvise, as did many others.
Finally, getting near the start line
was impossible. There was an elite pen at the front followed by two pens for
top local runners. We were forced to start with the masses. We joined the melee
as best we could and awaited the gun.
9.30am and we’re off, well sort of! 53
seconds later I walk over the start line. It feels like an eternity before I
can force my way to the side and start running outside the race, behind
spectators, through Cafés, Bars, chairs and tables and along the pavement.
I’m angry and charge along to the end
of the street and rejoin the chaos as the 10K merges with us and we’re walking
again. I escape once more and run like a mad man in search of some personal
space to run in. A spell of freedom comes when we hit a major road by the
railway station. At 4K I catch the official pace man for running a 1:30 Half,
only 10mins behind my schedule. I pass his entourage and set about catching the
next pace setter in the distance, identified by his red balloon bobbing up and
down.
Things improve by 7K as we get our
first water and the 1:24 pace setter is in touching distance. Traffic is heavy
again as burnt out 10K and Half Marathoners are cluttering the route.
Having done a 9K circuit of the old town
we part company with the shorter race and head along the Promenade de Anglais
for a dead flat out and back run. I’m surprised to be running well and now
relaxed start running a proper race. As I slowly crawl past the line of
competitors it suddenly dawned on me that I do not remember anyone passing me
from the start of the race and this gives me renewed strength.
Being an out and back second half we
see the leaders fly back in the opposite direction. The first 10 or so are all
black African and running like the wind. We turn at 15K and I see my pursuers
for the first time, that 1:24 pace man complete with balloon is not that far
behind. I am passed for the first time at 16K, we’re in to a headwind now and
it’s taking its toll. When three come by at once I tuck in behind to take cover
from the wind. I recover and we even start to share the work as we draught
behind one another back to the finish which can be seen from a long way out
along the flat curving beach line.
The crowds build up near the end and I
make my final push for glory. The finish tunnel is pain free as we were chipped
from the start and consequently an army of helpers greets us with clippers
ready to relieve us from our electronic tagging. The finish area is a spacious
fenced area with tables of drinks and fruit.
I rest and recover in the now warm
sunshine. The heat had not bothered me during the run but I could now feel it
bearing down on my bolding head as I waited for Irene to finish. Her story is
similar to mine. A lonely race when you can’t speak French and the congestion
at her level was even worse.
Over all a great event, good value for
money (Tee shirt and medal) at only €13.00 but more loos please and a nice spot
on the start line would be nice too. (Nice – get it?)
C’est la vie.
104th Graeme Slight 1:22:53
1348th Irene Forty 1:48:00