The half marathon around Lake Maggiore was stunningly scenic with a nice flat course that helped towards some very good times and some personal bests for the ten Mel's Milers who completed it. In fact our ladies filled 7 of the top 10 places of British runners. How's that for domination ! The relay option was a bonus for the other four runners who were not able to manage the full distance. The weather Gods evidently heard our prayers the night before and diverted the snow clouds away so even the conditions were perfect for running. The boat ride back across the lake from the finish was an unusual mode of race transport, and a fitting end to a unique race.
The Italian hospitality, scenery and food made it one of the best destinations yet for a race abroad. Not a Starbucks in sight, but all the better for it, as the bars and restaurants were very accommodating towards our large party. Our slight lack of fluency in the Italian language didn't hold us back, and new ways of were found for interpreting menus with a spot of miming !
The hotel location was perfect with rooms large enough to hold a party in, and the other residents probably thought that was what we were doing !
Barcelona 8th February 2009
Barcelona provided a great destination for a weekend away and half marathon race, with plenty of interesting sights to see, Spanish culinary delights to sample, and a reminder of what sunshine felt like. The sangria and paella probably won the food and drink popularity contest, followed closely by tapas and beer, and several visits to the numerous Starbucks outlets helped to make us feel at home !
The race itself wasn't bad either ! The course was on wide, traffic-free streets with only very gentle inclines, providing a good chance of getting a PB. Several of the eight Mel's Milers running it managed to achieve that, with the three non-runners of the party providing welcome support along the way.
Malta 24th February 2008
The club trip to Malta was a great success with 1 runner completing the full marathon and the other 9 opting for just the half. Everyone appreciated the mainly downhill course, and most enjoyed the lovely warm, sunny weather. Apart from the running there was the usual amount of quality and quantity eating, some sightseeing on land and water, some scary taxi rides, and even a spot of sunbathing on a beach favoured by her Majesty and Philip ! We won't mention the hotel as it will spoil the perfect image !
Prague 2007
The trip to Prague for the half marathon on 24th March had the usual series of mishaps including a missed flight and lost purse, but otherwise our 14 travellers enjoyed a great weekend away in the lovely city. The 10 runners all completed the winding course with it's charming cobbles and tram lines, and the 4 spectators braved the chilly wind to cheer them on. Well done to everyone, especially Colin who came second in his age group ! Must have been the free beer en route !
Lake Maggiore, Italy, 7th March 2010
