Seville Marathon

Itziger wrote: »

Spectacular 2.47.xx for Diablo Verde with super splits and even a 2 second neg split!

Thanks for the running commentary Itziger. That was me.

As Ger said, conditions where ideal for marathon running. My plan was to do the first half in around 1:24:xx and then aim for around a one min negative split for 2:47:xx. Ended up with the time but with even pacing. I found the last 10-12kms tough, hamstring was pulling a bit. Nearly went altogether at the stadium finish, entering the track via steep downhills.

The race was very well organised. Good standard of runner for finding groups to run with. Transport to and from stadium was good for me. Lots of crowd support in the central parts of town and the last 7k in particular. My only gripe would be paper cups for water and Powerade. I didn’t bother with the Powerade because of this which meant little or no electrolytes for me. For some reason they gave us a nice 330ml of water at 5km, would have been ideal to get that later in the race.

Sevilla is a great city. Apparently this race is the flattest in Europe but in my opinion Valencia is a flatter and quicker course. My next challenge is the steps in the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium steps for Sevilla F.C. v A. Madrid this evening!

Cheers ðŸ»

Kemboi wrote: »

Sevilla is a great city. Apparently this race is the flattest in Europe but in my opinion Valencia is a flatter and quicker course


Hey MacPhisto,

Well done on a great run yesterday. I'm trying to decide between Valencia and Seville for a european marathon this/next year. Leaning towards Valencia and just seeing your thoughts above re: the course would you recommend Valencia over Seville overall. Thanks.

Thanks kemboi.

I would agree with Itziger. I think Valencia is flatter and faster. There were a couple of minor drags in Seville, one at 39km Mark was most unwelcome. Also, in the last 6k there are a few k run on hard stone in the old part of Seville city.

The timing of Valencia is good, training through an Irish end of summer and autumn prepares you well for conditions in Valencia in November (december this year). The weather is similar at both marathons. 10-18 degrees. Both events start at 0830 to avoid heat. Training through winter for Seville was tough enough with cold weather and strong winds.

Both marathons are very well organised and have good transport. However the Valencia expo is better and they do a better job for visitors in terms of media/apps/info in English language.

The finish in Valencia is very good and central, Seville finishes around 3km out of town at the Olympic Stadium. Crowd support is good at both events but Valencia probably edges that again.

A significant advantage of Valencia is that there is a parallel 10k event on the day of the marathon. I ran this myself last year and was then able to support my brother and another buddy who was running the marathon. This could appeal to friends and family who may want to accompany you.

Another big plus for Valencia is water and Powerade in bottles rather than the dreaded paper cups that were given in Seville.

I found Seville to be a more fun place to be before and after the marathon. Lots of good bars, cafes, restaurants and sights to see. Valencia is good but Seville wins on this aspect for me.

Both cities are pretty acccessible. There are direct flights to both places. If the days don’t suit (which happened to me), flights to Madrid and high speed trains are good.

Both marathons are excellent and either of them would be a good choice.

I'm in, finished week 7 today, first 20 miler of the plan. Training going very well

Cheers, I'm getting the train to Vila Real de Santo Antônio and staying there for the night. We holiday there every year, love the town.

I'm hoping with omnicron or the next variant that there won't be any issues with crossing the boarder.

I'm staying here the Saturday night, booked it a good while ago on booking.com and I'm fairly sure it ticked every box, including being close to the start/finish but maybe double check

https://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/seville/melia-sevilla/index.htm

3rd 20 miler today. 20 miles on the 2nd January, half marathon last Sunday in 1:38, 20 miles today in 2:50 hours. I fell out of love with running last year with all the **** going on, I am starting to feel really optimistic about this race, I am hooping for around 3:35

ran a 1:37 half two weeks ago, am hopping for sub 3:30 but can't deal with any sort of heat once it goes over 15 or 16 degrees, tough 20 miler today through the center of the burren, 450m of climb, one more long one next week and then bring it on!

I did it 2 years ago, its great untill around half ten in the morning, then the sun starts getting strong and you are exposed aswell a bit in the last 10k. I sweat like a bollix so not good :) Are we meeting up for pints lads? I am staying untill Monday and have a 2 nights away from herself lol

I'm super excited, getting a little ott though, weighing shorts and singlets, plugging every conceivable time into race calculators :-)

I've also changed my flight to Thursday evening, so as to have a proper lazy day Friday.

Initially I was targeting sub 3'30 but seriously considering sub 3'20, training has gone well last few weeks and I'm now 7.5kg lighter than my half in mid December.

Also thinking of running Marlay Parkrun this Saturday if the weather is favourable. Really want sub 20 and the last one was Feb 3 years ago, so seems about time.

Decent Irish contingent to follow (robbed from Twitter)

2 weeks today, can't wait. Handy 13 miles today. Now the taper starts

CANCELLATION GUARANTEE

Once the registration is accepted, the amount paid shall not be refunded under no circumstances. Runners may add a cancellation guarantee at the time of registration. They must select one of the three options available:

1) I do not want any guarantee

2) Standard cancellation guarantee Cost: 10% of the registration price. Min €5.50 (residents). 80% refund until 6 February 2022.

3) Premium cancellation guarantee Cost: 20% of the registration price. Min €11.00 (residents). 100% refund until 6 February 2022.

• Runners shall only be able to contract the cancellation guarantee at the time of registration.
• The cancellation guarantee amount is not refundable.
• Changes in ownership shall not be accepted.
• It is compulsory to contract it at the time of registration.