pickupthepacepaul

On 6th July 2025, I took part in the “All Stars Blue Marathon” hosted by Phoenix Running events. The Summer months are always when I take a rest outside of the busy Spring and Autumn Running calendar. However, with 2 months without an event, I was feeling like I needed a nice long run, so I entered for a last minute Marathon a few days before the event.

A always, I prepared my kit the night before to make sure I had everything I needed, the theme today was blue.

This was my 8 Marathon of 2025, and 169th lifetime Marathon (plus). I love the Phoenix Running events as nice training runs. With the 8 lap format it is perfect to mix up your training. This time I opted for the event at Denbies wine estate. This has a beautiful setting, with the added perk of wine to purchase at the end. However, it is certainly a challenging course. I had the option of the flat Walton on Thames route this weekend, or the Denbies route. I opted for Denbies for a number of reasons: 1) It is the perfect location for a nice family walk and picnic, 2) I wanted some challenging hills for my training, 3) I like the “Surrey Gold” wine… and may have walked away with a case of 6 bottles.

I started a little after 0800 and was aiming to run around 4 hours 30 minutes, and just enjoy the day. The weather was beautiful to run in, with rain predicted, I was hoping it would hold out to let me finish, but importantly give us time for a nice picnic before the rain.

I wore my new Walking boots to break them in on the undulating trail route. In dry conditions road trainers would be fine, but the grip and cushion felt great, and I am really happy with them. I usually end up with stones in my shoes on the course, and some of the lose rocks are uncomfortable, but today everything went smoothly.

I went out a little quicker for the first 10k, then eased off for a more gentle pace. The elevation for the first half is pretty tough, but it felt great. I started walking up the first hill, but loved the downhill run.

I also took full advantage of the aid station, enjoying sweets and coke on each lap.

The best part for me was when I phoned my wife to say I had 2 laps left and see how long they would be. She told me my boy had decided he wanted to do the last lap with me, which I love. I knew they could not possible arrive in time, so I slowed down, and then took a 15 minute break to wait before I started the last lap with my boy.

Pacing does not yet run in the family, and after 7 laps, it was easy for my boy to race off. But he soon slowed down on the first big hill.

He clearly spent a lot of time waiting for me, but then he also struggled at times and recovered whilst I slowed carried on. I knew he would want to beat me at the end, but I warned him not to race off too soon otherwise I would beat him.

He started running for the finish far too soon, but I had to pick up the pace otherwise I would have no chance to catch him. It became apparent quickly that he wasn’t going to slow down, so after a chilled marathon I had a sprint finish with my boy. He led the whole way, at one point a good 10 metres ahead of me, but I just managed to catch him ok the finish for a tie, as we both collapsed at the finish line.

I had a great run, designed as a training run, made even better by my boy joining me for the last lap.

As always the medals are pretty awesome at phoenix running events. Official time 4:51:30.