This year on the 1st of May a brand new marathon was run around the South Hams coast in South Devon. The race started in Torcross by Slapton Ley, headed South to Start Point, on to Prawle Point and then on into the East bank of Salcombe Water. Runners were allowed to stop the clock whilst taking the ferry across to the other side of Salcombe Water.  From the West shore (the end of the half marathon) runners headed West to Hope Cove, Thurlestone and finally finishing at The Sloop Inn car park in Bantham.

I entered the race as it is similar to the N D Marathon i.e. it has a lot of uphill, allegedly over 4000' of it and I wanted to check that the NDM was manageable! The race was entirely on the coast path and was stunning with glorious views into numerous little harbours and coves along the way. The terrain was tough but OK. What was far worse was the one mile walk back to the car after the finish and the pub with the uncompromising landlord that closed prompt at 3.00 as we all walked in for a refreshing beer at 3.01. 

Simon Oliver finished in 4.32. It was hard to tell where the runners came in finishing order as the race was self timed and we all started at different times. I guess I probably won....