2008 Cambridge Boundary Run
By James Kelly
It might have looked like an ordinary March morning in Cambridge, with the daffodils and crocuses basking in the patchy sunlight and the mild temperatures, the roads nearly empty as everyone enjoyed a quiet Sunday, and a horde of runners congregated for a long run. But this wasn't Johns P'lodge, and this wasn't a long run. It was a very long run. On Sunday 2nd March, many of the Hare & Hounds were joined by their running brethren from throughout the county -- and even farther afield -- to complete the Boundary Run, a 26.2-mile circumnavigation of Cambridge.
Armed with drinks bottles, sugary supplements a steeled will and a total lack of common sense, more than 300 runners set off from Sweatshop to complete either the half marathon or to carry on the whole way round. David Yu (Trinity) and James Kelly (Jesus) quickly hit the front, taking advantage of the fact that they intended only to complete the half marathon! After 2 miles, Yu slowed to a more sensible pace and left Kelly to face the run through Cherry Hinton on his own. It proved to be a good decision, as Kelly sheepishly waited for Yu's navigational help after a wrong turn in the woods!
Behind the two front runners, the rest of the race was steady, but certainly not sedate! Marathoners Rich Hewitt, Ulrich Paquet and Jesus trio of Chris Morris, Jamie Brunning and Liam Richardson settled into their rhythm. For the Jesus boys it was sure to be a tough day; Brunning had returned only two days previously from a holiday in Thailand, while Morris and Richardson were feeling the effects of four days of Lent Bumps (and possibly the post-race celebrations).
After the first drinks station, manned with enthusiasm by Rich Mathie and company, the headwind began to take effect for the first time. With the miles ticking away, the race became a race against fatigue as much as a race against the conditions and the other competitors. Passing through Trumpington and heading towards the familiar Grantchester Meadows, Kelly was the first to arrive at the second drinks tent, where he was wined and dined by John Redshaw, Polly Keen and Aidan Brown. Yu passed through shortly afterwards, while Charlie Ko (King's), still in the early stages of his training after a long-term injury layoff, was absolutely tearing through the field.
If the buffeting wind along Barton Road and the fields leading to Coton village (and the half marathon finish) was demoralising for those stopping after 13.1 miles, it's hard to imagine the effect it must have had on the marathoners, robust as they are. It was with some relief that Kelly crossed the line in 74:40 to receive much-needed refreshment (and warm clothing!) from Tims Pattison and Culshaw. Yu arrived home in 78:04 and Ko in 81:08.
Soon the competitors began to stream through Coton Green and the marathoners looked on in envy as the half-marathoners came to a stop. There were a number of strategies employed to force body and mind to continue on. Some stopped for a lengthy refreshment break, others took food and drink to go, while yet others were heard to mutter under their breath, "I'm still feeling fresh." Surely an indication of the onset of denial? With minds numbed by the distance and the wind, marshals Andy Duncan and Lee Harper had their work cut out for them trying to direct competitors onto the right route and prevent individual interpretations of the Boundary Run.
When the final competitors passed through after more than 3 hours, the camp at halfway could pack up and relocate to Sweatshop to greet the 82 marathoners to complete the course. They would arrive too late to greet the leaders, however. Fuelled by the support of Rich Pates and the Girton crew and Harriet Owles at the final drinks station, an impressive number of runners attacked the 3 hour mark.
As the temperature continued to drop and the skies darkened, it was guest Alex Tate who broke the tape, nipping in at 2:59:49. He was followed home by former Cantabrigian (but lifetime Harey) Rich Hewitt in 3:00:40. Paquet (3:02:21) held off the fast-finishing Brunning (3:02:48), who set a massive personal best.
Brunning wasn't alone in proving that his preparations for the Flora London Marathon are in a good state. Joe Stevick (3:05:51) completed his race with nearly even pacing, Chris Morris (3:06:07) held on well after a fast start, Liam Richardson (3:16:55) somehow dragged his weary bones over the 26.2 miles, Simon Gilbert registered a solid 3:22:38 while Roger Griffin's 4:07:13 was by some margin the fastest in his age group!
But special recognition is due in particular to Helen Mort, who posted a blistering time of 3:16:46, narrowly missing the Half Blue marathon standard. The first lady home by nearly 30 minutes, Mort's run suggests that she could well win University honours in London next month.
With warm tea all around, all that remains is to thank the fantastic organising committee that made the Boundary Run an unqualified success. Boundary Run Officer Laura Spence deserves as much praise as she can get for liaising brilliantly with all the other parties involved. She was ably assisted by a great support group, most notably Oliver Jardine and Mark Coley, who helped to mark out and measure the course (along with Aidan Brown, Ulrich Paquet, Si Rutherford and Joe Stevick) arrange registration and to promptly post the results. Andy Noyce and the Cambridge branch of Sweatshop continue to be wonderful partners for the club. Finally, special thanks are reserved for all the marshals who provided much-needed nourishment and encouragement along the way. So with most of the competitors soaking in an ice bath, the club's attention turns to the Teddy Hall Relays and the chance to get an early victory over Oxford before the track season begins.