After a summer with holidays, weeks going easy on training, and some short races during July, this marathon was the comeback after more than 100 days, and on the day that Eliud Kipchoge set an astonishing new world record in Berlin, in 2.01.39, that may remain for a long time.
Marathon 69 was supposed to be Valtiendas, near Segovia, returning in mid-August after a long hiatus. Already registered, in early July I got an email announcing its cancellation because of the low number of registrants. With my entry price returned, I decided to register for the Plazaola marathon instead. I had already registered in 2017, but because of difficulties to sort out travel and accommodation, I finally decided to cancel my entry and run the inaugural Ribera Run Race ultra that took place in Peñafiel, near my hometown.
Vías Verdes marathons (https://www.maratonviasverdes.com/) are races that take place in old abandoned rail tracks, restored as pathways. Nowadays there are 4 of them, and Plazaola was the last in the calendar, and would become my first experience with them.
With also a short 26k edition available, the marathon would run from Lekumberri, in Navarra, to Andoain, in Guipuzcoa. With easy train access from central Spain, and good combinations from the near San Sebastian, it looked as a good marathon option in an otherwise quiet September. I booked one-night accommodation in Andoain, and the bus available from the organization at the time of registration (6€), to go from Andoain at 7.30 to the start in Lekumberri. At the time of registration there also some offers including two nights’ accommodation and transport to the start, that could be a good opportunity to do some tourism in the area and know the nearby San Sebastian.
Lekumberri is a small village in a hilly area. From there is 26 miles to Andoain, after passing Leitza (where is located the start for the shorter race), going from the 560m at the start to the 80m at the arrival. Without cloakroom facilities at the race start, was better to wear something to keep us warm until the 9.00 start, although the weather was so good that it was almost unnecessary.
Only a few more than 100 participants take the start, and after a short lap in the roads of Lekumberri we take the Vías Verdes route. From that point on the whole course follows the old train paths, in a greenish scenario with many tunnels, the longest about 1.5 miles in length. In the rules was specified the need of frontal light, and although some of the tunnels are short or partially lighted, it was useful to avoid the water patches and occasional potholes in the dark areas.
The beautiful scenario, well provided refreshment points, good weather and mostly shaded areas make for a fun race, where miles start going by unnoticed. I feel with energy, although considering the lack of long sessions during the last few weeks, I decide to save energy and enjoy the views, losing a few positions. I cross the half marathon in 1.47.37 without effort, while keeping a stable pace and doing the stops in the refreshment points as short as possible I start overtaking some runners. Feeling well I push in the last 5 miles to get to the finish line in 3.36.45, my best time of the year by more than 7 minutes. Finally, good body sensations, helped by the nice downhill course, and probably an unusual long period away from competition.
A marathon that deserves a slot in my next year calendar, and the entry race for a more demanding autumn season. With the Grand Slam (12 marathons in a calendar year) planned for 2018 getting closer, I start thinking about going a bit further (13, 14…?).
What are your racing plans for the remaining months of the year?
Score: 5 (out of 5)
Pros: green scenery; good organization; hoodie in the runner bag; free lunch post-race
Cons: no answer to any of my emails asking for information
