2008 Race Analysis (Part 1)

A sunny day but interspersed on some exposed parts of the course by a significant gusting wind.
The introduction by the sponsors Mizuno of two male Kenyans and one lady Kenyan runner certainly added spice to this year's race.

On paper, the times of the male Kenyans made them significant threats to Toby Lambert and his bid to win the race for a fifth year in a row. However, after a 2hour 18 minutes clocking in this year's London Marathon, Toby was clearly still improving and his course experience would undoubtedly stand him in good stead.

With a record race entry of 1600, the race officials were bracing themselves (Del Boy style) to see how the course would stand up to the extra influx of numbers. The Mid Devon Cycling Club formed the majority of an extra strong cycling marshal contingent.

However, for varied reasons, 'only' about 1200 runners started on Sunday and the course was not tested to its limit.

A major part of the smooth running of the 2008 race was the discipline and awareness of all runners throughout the race. On course cyclists reported that athletes moved over immediately to let overtaking runners past on narrow parts of the course and were every bit as 'professional' as the marshals....as lead cyclist, it was a great relief to see this....huge thankyou to ALL athletes. PART 2 - The race itself to follow...