Halstead Marathon 10 May 2009 Stephane Toussenel reports: I definitely agree with Runner's World top 5 UK marathon list. Halstead marathon and ultra (30 miles) is the one to do if you would like an under 1000 entrants race, a scenic route in the countryside with people to cheer you up when necessary, underwoods providing you with shade when you start feeling the heat. It's not flat, but you can go for a pb thanks to the mix of flat and down portions after the couple of inclines. You just need to use your gearbox accurately. The organisation is great from the start to the end. You have enough drink stations to avoid collapsing in the middle of the field, and you have the possibility to drop your own water bottles (3 in total) with your best magic boosting fluid and choose in which drink station you want to have it; I find it helpful. It's also important to me to gather with runners you have run with before; Haverhill (Ian Longland winning the ultra), Bishops Stortford - really supportive, c&c... In my concern, I was there to get the answer regarding my disappointment in London, and I am really happy about it (the answer). Nothing about "glutton for punishment" (I put it, waouh), but 2009 won't be about marathon for me. 1h30 at half distance and same scenario, I needed to slow down progressively - the inclines helped and the downhill didn't on the other way round. So if I tell you: 3h26'05, 60th overall, do you get it? And now I have to tell you: I am happy about it, you need that sometime! and I will go for that one next year if not in London. Click here to view pictures: 1. 2 miles - image 0089 2. 11 miles - image 0337 3. Finish - image 1227