Graham
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Thames MeanderMy final ultra in the MdS build up. 54.85 miles, although I'm pretty sure my detour at 48 miles would have pushed me well over 55 miles. 8 hours 22 minutes for a sixth place finish.
Ran with the lead group for a few miles but they were pushing hard, and I talked myself out hanging onto them as only one of them was carrying the same sort of pack weight as me....and he pulled out somewhere along the route. First woman was awesome, finished in 5th, 15 minutes ahead of me, first man ended up 1 hour ahead of me, setting a new course record by 30 minutes and throwing up 3 times along the Thames. Didn't stop him cracking open the beers at the finish to celebrate - my hero! Of the 210 starters there were something like 50 non finishers, a huge amount and the poor mashalls were out til past 3am in the blistering cold hanging round for the stragglers. Think I would have rather run it.
Only downside - beaten by a German who came in 3rd. My Grandads will be turning in their graves. Haha!
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