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Sarah Gregory reports from the Berlin Marathon - 25th September 2005
Sarah Gregory
(without the crowds)
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Sunday 25th September was a red-letter-day for Sarah Gregory when she ran the Berlin Marathon, finished in 3:42:34 and qualified to run the London Marathon next year. Frustrated but never down-hearted after a stress fracture curtailed her early season, Sarah bounced back to set PBs, first on the track and now on the road, and now goes into the X-C season as Team Captain with renewed spirit.
She writes: “Just back from Berlin and have found time to pen a few words as we don't go on holiday until tomorrow morning. Well I did it, clocked in at 3.42.34 and was very pleased. I felt I could have gone faster too, as it was a very warm day (about 24 degrees) and lots of people on a narrow course in places. My GFA entry for the London Marathon is getting posted today, as the closing date is pretty soon, so all being well I will be at the green start in April. There are things that are better in Berlin and others that are better in London, so it evens it up really. The most frustrating thing about Berlin is the number of people on the course. Berlin is a circular route, so lots of corners, and this is where it becomes congested and means that you are not running freely until around 12 miles. I was getting very frustrated by mile 6 or 7 due to being elbowed in the mouth twice and I almost tripped over numerous times. The second-worst thing is that the water is handed out in cups, not bottles, so you get more over your face than in your mouth and can't run with it. The total chaos at water stations is worse than London and you are lucky to make it away from the drinks stations with any water left in your cup at the end. However, enough moaning, I survived and because of the sheer volume of people trying to squeeze round the course in the first half of the race, I ran a negative split. It then turned very warm, but to be fair, a lot of the course was in the shade due to trees and buildings. The organisation is good and running under the Brandenburg Gate at the end is a tremendous feeling. The crowds are great but probably not quite as big as London. At the end there are lots of refreshments available and free beer, with lots of nice open space to relax and a free massage too. Berlin is a great city and the transport system is good. Getting to the start was much easier than some of the chaos I've had in London, the people are nice and helpful and everyone on the Marathon was in high spirits. I didn't see anyone wobbling or staggering on the course either, we must all be getting fitter, stronger and better prepared. There are doctors on bikes amongst the runners too, which is reassuring. Off on my holidays now, rest and recovery for two weeks, so I’ll be back with my batteries re-charged and ready to go in the X-C season!”
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